India's Modi promises fast courts for corrupt officials amid 'cockroach' protests

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has pledged to create "fast track courts" to expedite the punishment of corrupt officials responsible for leaking examination papers. This initiative aims to quell the growing youth-led protest movement, which has adopted the satirical moniker "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) after the Chief Justice referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches."

“

Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth … Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared.

Modi stated on X, "Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth. Those who try to harm the future of our youth will not be spared." However, the CJP swiftly rejected this offer, deeming it insufficient. Their core demands remain the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and comprehensive reform of the education system.

An estimated 50,000 people protested in Delhi on Monday, facing police restrictions, baton charges, and tear gas. Despite the harsh conditions and heat, over 1,000 protesters remained camped in central Delhi on Wednesday. Demonstrations supporting the CJP's demands have also occurred in other Indian cities.

“

Dharmendra Pradhan must resign.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi escalated the rhetoric, demanding not only Pradhan's resignation but also an apology from Modi for failing to provide a fair education system. Gandhi highlighted that India has experienced 152 exam paper leaks in the past decade without a single conviction, criticizing the government's inaction. The movement has reportedly hardened its stance following a recent police crackdown and a meeting with the health minister that yielded no results.

“

Somebody, or a group of people, are destroying our education system, India’s most valuable asset, destroying the lives of our students. What does the government do? Zero convictions.