NEW DELHI: India PM Modi has said he wants to forgive protesters who shouted abusive slogans during recent youth-led demonstrations. The protests became one of the biggest political challenges faced by his government in recent years.
The prime minister made the remarks in a video shared on Instagram late Friday. He said young people should be guided instead of punished for mistakes made during emotional moments.
The demonstrations were organised by the online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The movement gained widespread support after raising concerns over examination paper leaks. It later expanded into a larger campaign against unemployment and governance issues.
The protests took place in New Delhi and several other cities. Thousands of young people joined the demonstrations to express their frustration over education and job-related concerns.
During the protests, videos circulated on social media showing some participants using abusive language against India PM Modi. According to local media reports, several protesters later faced online criticism from supporters of the ruling party.
Reports also said police complaints were filed against some individuals seen in the videos. Authorities additionally asked social media platforms, including Meta and X, to remove content they described as abusive or manipulated.
In his Instagram message, India PM Modi referred to the events at Jantar Mantar. He said some young protesters used words that had no place in a civilised society. He added that the comments were directed not only at him but also at his late mother.
Despite the criticism, the prime minister said he wanted to forgive those involved. He stated that young people often make mistakes and should receive guidance instead of facing harsh legal consequences.
His comments appeared to support a more restrained response to the police cases linked to the demonstrations. He suggested that education and understanding are better ways to help young people learn from their actions.
The protests first began after reports of examination paper leaks. Students demanded greater transparency and accountability in the examination system. As public support increased, the demonstrations expanded to include wider concerns about unemployment and government performance.
The growing public pressure eventually led to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The development marked a significant political setback for the government.
Since the protests started, the prime minister has increased his activity on Instagram. The platform has become an important way for him to communicate directly with young people.
The Cockroach Janta Party also built much of its influence through Instagram. Although it was launched only in May, it has gained more than 26 million followers. In comparison, the ruling party’s official Instagram account has around 9.6 million followers.
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The recent events highlight the growing role of social media in political communication and public mobilisation. Online platforms continue to shape political discussions, especially among younger audiences in India.
