India's Modi faces youth pressure as protest leaders demand minister's resignation

The Indian government is set to hold fresh talks with leaders of a youth-led protest movement that disrupted the capital this week. Demonstrators are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for flaws in the examination system. These protests represent the most significant youth challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's administration since he took office in 2014. Opposition parties have echoed the protesters' demands, disrupting parliament's monsoon session.

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They have given us a time between 3.30 p.m. and 4 p.m. today.

Thousands of protesters gathered in central Delhi, despite authorities closing metro stations to limit access to the protest site. "We need clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan's future," said Ashutosh Ranka, the Cockroach Janata Party's national spokesperson. "Will the government seek his resignation or not? We want a yes or no answer." Anger escalated after police cracked down on protesters on Monday, using batons and tear gas against thousands marching on parliament.

The protests, fueled by widespread discontent over leaks of question papers for high-stakes entrance exams, have broadened to encompass anger over job scarcity, corruption, and government accountability. At previous talks, protest representatives warned federal ministers that the demonstrations could spread if Pradhan did not step down. These discussions followed activist Sonam Wangchuk ending a 26-day hunger strike, which had raised hopes for a resolution.

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We need clarity on Dharmendra Pradhan's future. Will the government seek his resignation or not? We want a yes or no answer.

Authorities extended a mobile internet shutdown in the protest area for a fifth consecutive day. Protesters expressed frustration but remained resolute. "They can shut down internet, metros and buses, but what will that achieve? Nothing. People who want to join the protest will still come," said Rahul Raj, a protester. The movement was galvanized by leaks of medical school entrance exam papers, forcing over 2 million candidates to retake tests and exposing deep-seated issues within the education system.

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They can shut down internet, metros and buses, but what will that achieve? Nothing. People who want to join the protest will still come.