India youth protests leave Modi facing pressure

India's youth-led protest movement has left Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government facing political pressure after demonstrations that began over exam irregularities widened into anger over jobs, opportunity and trust in public institutions.

The online Cockroach Janta Party led protests that spread from New Delhi to other cities. Demonstrations are now largely over after achieving key demands, including the resignation of the education minister on July 25.

Authorities have since tried to appeal to young people, parliament has increased penalties for leaking exam papers, and police have withdrawn cases against protesters in several cities after criticism of excessive force.

The protests also highlighted surveillance and online intimidation. Authorities used AI-powered camera technology to monitor and identify demonstrators, while many women said they received rape threats and abusive messages after videos of them at demonstrations spread online. An internet shutdown around the main protest site in New Delhi disrupted communication.

Access Now said India ranked second worldwide in internet shutdowns last year, including local blackouts during protests, conflict and communal violence.

The movement's future influence remains uncertain. The CJP says it will organise a nationwide listening tour to hear young Indians' concerns and continue supporting protests over exam irregularities. Demonstrations are still taking place in Jharkhand.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called for "a public movement to restore trust and neutrality in public institutions" but said the group would, for now, function as a pressure group rather than a political party.

With nearly three years before India's next national election, both Modi's ruling party and the opposition may try to respond to the anger expressed by young voters.