India’s Modi promises fast-track courts for exam fraud fuelling protests

Demonstrations have intensified across New Delhi following reported irregularities in national medical school entrance examinations. The Cockroach Janta Party, initially formed as a satirical online movement in May, has evolved into an organized protest platform occupying Parliament Street and other key locations in the capital. Protesters are calling for structural reforms to the testing system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, with some demonstrators citing the deaths of at least 12 students by suicide following exam cancellations.

Prime Minister Modi addressed the unrest through a social media post, pledging to establish fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks. He framed the initiative as a priority for youth welfare and the nation's future. However, protest organizers have dismissed this judicial proposal as insufficient and a distraction from the core issue of ministerial accountability.

According to CJP founding president Abhijeet Dipke, external agitators have attempted to discredit the movement by instigating violence during demonstrations. Protest spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka emphasized that paper leaks stem from systemic failures and ministerial incompetence rather than a lack of judicial infrastructure. The movement's demands extend beyond Pradhan's resignation to include the withdrawal of cases against peaceful demonstrators and financial compensation for families affected by student suicides.

Security responses have intensified, with reports indicating that metro stations near protest sites have been closed by officials. The demonstrations represent a significant challenge to the government, with tens of thousands participating in recent marches toward Parliament.