Youth-led protests in India are set to expand nationwide on Friday despite the government’s appeal for dialogue. At the same time, authorities have tightened security in the capital by closing several metro stations, suspending mobile internet services in parts of central Delhi, and restricting business activity around protest sites.
The demonstrations are being led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a youth movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks. The controversy stems from the medical entrance examination held in May, which affected nearly two million students and has been linked by protesters to several reported student suicides.
The movement has evolved into one of the largest youth-led protests faced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi since he took office in 2014. Opposition parties, including the Congress Party, have backed the protesters’ demands and disrupted proceedings during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament.
According to Reuters, the Indian government instructed telecom operators to suspend mobile data services in several parts of central Delhi ahead of the demonstrations. Journalists reported widespread internet outages, while shopkeepers and restaurants said the restrictions disrupted digital payment services.
Despite Prime Minister Modi’s assurance that the welfare of young people remains a priority and his promise to establish fast-track courts for cases involving examination paper leaks, the CJP rejected the government’s response. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the protests would continue until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.
Ranka argued that punishing individuals after a paper leak occurs does not address the root cause of repeated examination irregularities. He called for greater accountability and reforms to prevent future leaks.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi also criticized the government, accusing it of failing to protect the country’s education system. He demanded the education minister’s dismissal, an apology to students, and action against those accused of using force against protesters.
The protests intensified earlier this week after clashes between demonstrators and police left at least 178 people, including security personnel, injured. The movement has since expanded its focus beyond paper leak allegations to include youth unemployment, educational reforms, and broader concerns over governance.
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