India’s Modi says he forgives students who abused him in Cockroach protests

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has publicly forgiven students who hurled expletives at him during recent protests, referring to them as “misled children” who require guidance rather than punishment. This statement came amid ongoing tensions following the so-called Cockroach protests, a youth-driven movement that gained momentum earlier this year. The protests began in May after the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a critical medical entrance examination, was annulled due to question leaks, forcing over two million students to retake the test in June. The Cockroach Janta Party, named after a derogatory remark made by India's Chief Justice who referred to unemployed youths and activists as “cockroaches,” started as a social media campaign advocating for educational reforms through viral content. It quickly evolved into a nationwide movement, drawing tens of thousands of participants in New Delhi and inspiring similar protests in other cities across India. The movement's demands included the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a pledge not to pursue legal action against any demonstrators. Despite Modi’s assurances that no criminal cases would be filed against protesters, authorities in states governed by his Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) proceeded to charge hundreds of individuals after some protesters clashed with security forces and shouted abusive remarks about the prime minister. Supporters of Modi’s Hindu nationalist policies have reportedly doxxed female protesters, including minors, on social media, subjecting them to rape and death threats while demanding local authorities take legal action against them. In a video shared on social media late on Friday, Modi expressed his willingness to forgive those who used profanity against him and his late mother during the protests. He emphasized that punishing the students or involving them in court proceedings would not resolve the underlying issues. “These are misled children. Showing them the right path is our duty,” he stated, highlighting his belief that societal pressure and guidance should replace punitive measures. Tensions escalated during the demonstrations, particularly in New Delhi, where attempts to march toward Parliament were met with tear gas, pellet shotguns, and baton charges by security personnel. A student activist, Radhika Kumar, criticized Modi for remaining silent on the violence faced by students in the capital while choosing to focus on self-victimization through social media posts. She accused the government’s supporters of long-term online harassment and intimidation of women, suggesting that Modi’s current stance represents an attempt at moral policing. According to reports, the Cockroach Janta Party claimed that hundreds of students had been arrested in various states, contradicting the government’s promise to drop all legal actions against protesters. Opposition parties have intensified calls for the removal of Home Minister Amit Shah, Modi’s close ally who oversees law enforcement in Delhi, citing his role in the crackdown on student demonstrators. The protests also led to the introduction of a legislative proposal in parliament aimed at amending laws related to public examinations. The bill seeks to implement changes intended to prevent future incidents of exam irregularities, although its specifics remain under discussion. As the situation continues to unfold, the government faces mounting pressure to address concerns regarding the treatment of protesters and ensure compliance with its initial commitments.