Indian government seeks talks with young protest movement against education minister

Modi's statement and the central demand

The government initially responded with a statement from Modi, in which he announced having instructed "a series of measures to protect the interests of students." "Nothing is more important than the well-being and future of our youth," Modi wrote in his first direct statement on the mass protests. At the same time, he threatened: "Whoever tries to endanger the future of our youth will not be spared."

However, Modi did not comply with the central demand of the protesters: to dismiss Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who embodies for the protesters the many grievances in the education system. Pradhan has so far refused and called the CJP and its supporters "the B-team of troublemakers" who "have no confidence in the country's progress."

Escalation at Jantar Mantar

On Wednesday, several thousand people again demonstrated in New Delhi under the leadership of the CJP. The call for this had been issued by the Cockroach Janta Party, that is, the "Cockroach People's Party." The rally at Jantar Mantar, a protest site occupied for weeks, was directed explicitly against the government's education policy.

The mood among the demonstrators is determined. "We will not leave Jantar Mantar until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns!" the movement had announced on Wednesday. A CJP spokesperson told numerous supporters: "They (the government) are powerful people, we are simple people, but at the moment the population of this country is behind us." The government should come forward with concrete offers, not just words.

Government signals willingness to talk

The government signaled willingness to talk in parallel. "The government is ready to discuss all issues with our young friends at any time," said Minister of State for Science Jitendra Singh to the Indian news agency ANI. It is not "about prestige."

The background to the conflict is the growing frustration of Indian youth. Estimates suggest that more than half of the country's 1.42 billion inhabitants are under 30 years of age. For well-educated people, there are few suitable jobs: unemployment among young academics under 25 stood at almost 40 percent in 2026, and wages and salaries are lagging behind rising living costs. According to government data, the unemployment rate among 15- to 29-year-olds in 2025 was 9.9 percent, and in urban areas 13.6 percent.

Frustration of Indian youth

The protests did not proceed peacefully. In clashes, at least 178 people were injured according to police, including security forces. Human Rights Watch spoke of "excessive use of force." The violence escalated when security forces moved against the protesters.

The CJP receives broad support from within the country and abroad. "From Kerala to the USA – the orders come from everywhere," a supplier described to the Reuters news agency. Food and water are being delivered to the protest site. Opposition parties also sided with the movement and gave the "cockroaches" their backing.

International support and demands

The movement is demanding a payment of 10 million rupees, slightly more than 90,000 euros, for each of the bereaved. In addition, fast-track courts are to ensure "swift and strict punishment" of those responsible for the leaking of examination materials, according to a government statement.

According to experts, the influx to the CJP reflects the growing frustration of young Indians. The movement has spread rapidly via social media and meets a society that is under the pressure of a dysfunctional education system. The government faces the challenge of defusing the protests without undermining its authority.

Whether Modi's small concession will be enough for the "cockroaches" remains to be seen. The CJP has formulated clear conditions and signaled that it will not leave the protest site until its demands are met. The coming days will show whether the offered talks can lead to a solution.

International attention to the protests is growing. Human rights organizations and foreign media are reporting on the situation. The Indian government is under pressure, both domestically and with regard to its international reputation, to respond appropriately to the demands of the youth.

The CJP has established itself as a force that could change India's political landscape. With millions of supporters and a clear message against the grievances in the education system, the movement has the potential to significantly influence the upcoming elections and the political debate in the country.