Angry Gen Z Over Medical Exam Leak... As Opposition Joins, PM Modi Promises "Thorough Investigation"

"13 Arrested" as Modi Responds Publicly for the First Time to Medical Exam Leak

Protests Led by the Cockroach People's Party Spread Nationwide

Over 100 Opposition Lawmakers Detained and Released After Rally Near Prime Minister's Residence

As protests led by a Generation Z-focused party intensify in India over the recent leak of medical school entrance exam questions, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stepped in to promise a thorough investigation and strict punishment for those responsible.

On the 22nd (local time), protesters led by the 'Cockroach People's Party (CJP)' in India are shouting slogans demanding educational reform. Photo by AP Yonhap News

According to Yonhap News and AFP on the 22nd (local time), Prime Minister Modi told lawmakers from the ruling coalition the previous day, "Everyone must work together to ensure that the future of young people is not put at risk. We must take strict measures, punish those who are guilty, and establish a system where failure is not a concern."

On the same day, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju stated, "As soon as the government received reports regarding misconduct in the medical entrance exam, Prime Minister Modi immediately took action, resulting in the arrest of 13 individuals involved, and the retest was successfully carried out." This marks the first time Prime Minister Modi has publicly addressed the recent leak incident.

Dharmendra Pradhan, the Minister of Education who has been the target of protesters' demands for resignation, also emphasized on his X (formerly Twitter) account the previous day, "The government is dedicated to discussing the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and addressing the legitimate concerns of the youth in parliament." He added, "We must give students more than just anger. We must provide them with answers and reforms and take responsibility. That is exactly what our government has promised."

The 'Cockroach People's Party (CJP)', which has led the current protests, was formed in May as a satirical response to a comment by Chief Justice Suryakant, who compared unemployed youth to 'cockroaches.' Founded by Abhijit Deepke, a 30-year-old political consultant and Boston University graduate, this organization was established on social networking services (SNS) in May and remains an unregistered satirical party with the Election Commission. The CJP has continued its protests, demanding Minister Pradhan's resignation. Although Chief Justice Suryakant later clarified that his remarks targeted only a portion of youths, such as degree forgers, and not young people in general, the controversy has continued to grow.

A citizen participating in the protest is being detained by the police while holding a placard demanding the resignation of the Indian Minister of Education. Photo by AP Yonhap News.

The NEET, which aspiring medical students must take, is considered the most competitive exam in India. This year, 2,205,000 candidates sat for the test at about 5,000 examination centers nationwide, but many were affected by the leak. According to local media reports, since the scandal surfaced in May, around 12 students have taken their own lives. Analysts note that, since then, the protests have broadened to include many who feel frustrated with youth unemployment and an uncertain future.

On the 20th, thousands of CJP protesters attempted to march on parliament in the capital, New Delhi, and clashed with police using tear gas and batons, resulting in numerous injuries. On the previous day, the CJP held another rally in Jantar Mantar, the designated protest site in central New Delhi, gathering thousands of supporters to pressure the Modi administration. Additionally, Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Indian National Congress (INC), and over 100 opposition lawmakers, were detained and later released after holding a rally near Prime Minister Modi's residence to condemn the police response.

In response, Minister Pradhan stated, "Indian students deserve much better than to be used as tools for political campaigns," criticizing, "Even after the government expressed readiness for comprehensive discussion, the INC chose political theatrics over democratic debate."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.