Modi Pledges Swift Action as Exam Leak Protests Escalate

NEW DELHI_Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday pledged “stringent punishment” for those responsible for examination fraud, promising fast-track courts to deal with question paper leak cases as nationwide student protests over alleged irregularities intensified and mounted pressure on his government.

In his first direct comments linked to the demonstrations, Modi said the welfare and future of young people were of paramount importance. In a post on social media, he announced plans to establish fast-track courts to prosecute those involved in examination paper leaks that affected around two million students in May.

The statement came after youth protesters demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan briefly clashed with police in New Delhi on Wednesday night. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators after tensions escalated near the Jantar Mantar protest site, according to police and witnesses.

Local media estimated that more than 10,000 people gathered at Jantar Mantar, where leaders of the self-styled Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) vowed to continue their month-long campaign until the education minister stepped down over the examination scandal.

The demonstrations have evolved into the most significant youth-led challenge to Modi’s government since he first took office in 2014. Opposition parties have backed the protesters’ demands and disrupted the monsoon session of Parliament, which began earlier this week.

On Monday, tens of thousands of demonstrators marched toward Parliament despite restrictions on public gatherings. Police and paramilitary personnel attempted to stop the march by firing tear gas and using batons to disperse the crowd.

Protests resumed on Wednesday as thousands assembled in central New Delhi and outside Parliament, carrying Indian flags and chanting slogans. According to local media, the crowd grew to more than 10,000 before clashes erupted later in the evening.

Delhi Police said some protesters threw stones and plastic bottles at security personnel, injuring several officers who were later taken to hospital. Videos circulating on the social media platform X appeared to show small groups confronting police using batons and tear gas, although Reuters said it could not independently verify the footage.

The Cockroach Janta Party began as an online satirical movement before developing into a nationwide youth campaign. Founder Abhijeet Dipke told supporters the protests would continue until Pradhan resigned, saying the movement was prepared for a prolonged campaign if necessary.

Amid heightened security concerns, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of 16 stations in and around central New Delhi until further notice. It marked the second large-scale suspension of metro services this week linked to the ongoing demonstrations.

Responding to growing public pressure, the government has held one round of talks with CJP representatives and said it would consider their demands. It has also offered to discuss the issue in Parliament and introduce reforms to the examination system.

Opposition parties led by the Congress party have intensified pressure on the government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined demonstrations outside Parliament and the prime minister’s residence, insisting that Pradhan’s resignation remained non-negotiable and saying opposition leaders would determine their next parliamentary strategy.

The controversy has highlighted broader frustrations among young Indians over recurring examination leaks and limited employment opportunities, issues that have become increasingly prominent in political debate as the government faces sustained pressure from students and opposition parties.