Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he forgives young protesters who abused him during mass demonstrations that began over leaked exam papers and expanded into wider anger over unemployment and governance. The online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) organised large rallies across New Delhi and other cities, a movement that contributed to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Modi urged guidance rather than legal action for youthful mistakes and has stepped up his use of Instagram to communicate with young people.
Modi Says He Forgives Youth Protesters After Mass Demonstrations Over Exam Leaks
A Cockroach Janta Party supporter holds a doctored picture of India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a rally in New Delhi on July 25. Modi said he wanted to "forgive" protesters who abused him (Sajjad HUSSAIN)
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he forgives young protesters who hurled abuses at him during recent youth-led demonstrations that posed a rare political challenge to his government.
What Happened
Large protests organised by the online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) erupted in New Delhi and other cities after leaked examination papers sparked public anger. The demonstrations, which began over exam leaks, broadened into wider expressions of frustration about unemployment and governance and eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Modi's Response
"The country and the world witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar. Some mischievous youngsters hurled vile abuses... Words were used that do not belong to civilised society -- directed not just at me, but even at my late mother... I want to forgive them," Modi, 75, said in a video posted on Instagram.
He added that "mistakes made in youth" should be corrected through guidance rather than immediate legal action, referring to police cases filed after the protests.
Aftermath And Online Reaction
Some protesters seen in widely shared videos have faced online harassment from Modi supporters and police complaints, local media report. Police also asked social platforms, including Meta and X, to remove what authorities described as abusive or manipulated material targeting the prime minister.
Political And Social Context
The CJP, launched in May and built largely on social media, mobilised many young people. Since the unrest began, Modi has increasingly used Instagram — the same platform where the CJP built much of its following — to speak directly to younger audiences. Modi's ruling party counts about 9.6 million Instagram followers, while the CJP has amassed more than 26 million.
Key takeaway: Modi framed his response as conciliatory, urging guidance for young people rather than punitive measures, even as authorities pursue complaints and content removal online.
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