Prime Minister Modi pressed by angry 'cockroaches'

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is grappling with a growing protest movement that he can no longer easily dismiss as separatists or fanatics. The current wave of demonstrations, primarily led by young people, targets a perceived corruption within the education system. Crucially, these protesters are predominantly Hindu and hail from the middle-class families that form Modi's core voter base, presenting a unique challenge to his administration.

For weeks, Modi's government largely ignored the "cockroaches," as the movement was initially dubbed. This grassroots movement, which began as satire, has evolved into one of the most significant challenges Modi has faced since taking power in 2014. Historically, the government has countered protest movements by labeling them as religious separatists or left-wing extremists, tactics that often resonated with a segment of the Indian population and justified a firm response.

However, the current situation is different. Tens of thousands of young Indians have been protesting for weeks against alleged corruption in university entrance exams. They are demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and are also expressing widespread dissatisfaction with the job market. Graduates face extreme difficulty finding employment that matches their qualifications, with only about 40% securing relevant positions, while many work temporary, low-paying jobs. This reality undermines the aspiration of upward mobility, a dream often supported by parents who have incurred debt for their children's education.

The situation escalated after police used batons and tear gas against students attempting to march to Parliament. This crackdown has only fueled further participation in the protests, expanding their demands to include compensation for those injured by police brutality. Videos of the police violence have circulated widely, countering government attempts to attribute the unrest to external forces like Pakistan or the U.S. Faced with this widespread dissent and the failure of traditional propaganda tactics, Modi has finally acknowledged the situation, promising an investigation into those responsible for exam leaks.