Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi broke his silence on Thursday, marking the fourth day of student protests, as he promised to severely punish those responsible for university exam fraud that has sparked widespread unrest. Confronted with the most significant crisis since his reelection for a third five-year term two years ago, Modi announced his intent to expedite judicial procedures against those implicated in the fraud.
“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” Modi posted on X, asserting that “those who attempt to jeopardize the future of the youth will face consequences.”
Massive Protests Demand Education Minister’s Resignation
Police in New Delhi responded harshly on Monday to protests by tens of thousands of students and young people attempting to march towards Parliament, calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to police reports, the clashes resulted in 180 injuries, two-thirds of whom were law enforcement personnel. Protesters, however, claimed that the actual number of injured was much higher.
Since then, thousands of demonstrators have maintained a round-the-clock presence at Jantar Mantar, a prominent site in the Indian capital. “We will not leave Jantar Mantar until (Education Minister) Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” emphasized Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson for the protesters.
The “Bugs” Rise Against Authority
The protests were ignited by fraud allegations related to a medical college entrance exam taken in May by over 2 million candidates. The cancellation of this exam has reportedly led to several suicides, according to local press.
The movement, organized by the “People’s Party of Bugs” (CJP), emerged in May in response to remarks made by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, who labeled unemployed youth as “parasites.”
In addition to opposing exam fraud, the movement reflects the concerns of young Indians struggling to find employment, despite Modi’s boast of strong economic growth exceeding 7% in the first quarter of 2026.
“This movement against exam fraud, against the suicides of our children, and for holding the responsible parties accountable is evolving into a revolt against the government,” explained university professor Ujjwal K. Chowdhury, who supports the students.
Opposition Criticizes Modi’s Response
Fresh clashes between police and protesters erupted at Jantar Mantar late Wednesday into Thursday, according to CJP.
“Internet access has been cut off. People have been brutally attacked and beaten with sticks,” the group’s spokesperson stated on social media.
While police confirmed the incidents, they did not provide further details, acknowledging that some officers had been “seriously injured.”
The opposition has capitalized on the images of Monday’s crackdown to launch a fierce attack against the government. Since Tuesday, parliamentary opposition leader and Congress Party President Rahul Gandhi has called for Modi’s resignation, accusing him of “destroying the future of Indian youth.”
“You are the one who has caused the most harm to the future of young people. You have allowed and even encouraged the diversion and destruction of our education system,” Gandhi retorted to Modi on Thursday following the Prime Minister’s statements.
