Protesters rage against PM Modi

BY: DW

Publish: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 (15:52 IST) Updated: Thu, 23 Jul 2026 (15:54 IST)

The youth-led protest against India's education minister is steadily rolling into anger towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi as well. 

"We want Modi’s resignation as well. When the emperor is corrupt, the whole system becomes corrupt," one protester told DW Reporter Shalu Yadav, angry with the government's response to the protesters on July 20, when millions converged in central Delhi to march on the Indian Parliament.

Police forces met young protesters with tear gas and baton charges, with several injured on both sides. Demonstrators and politicians have been critical of India's security forces and have accused them of using excessive force against unarmed students. 

"If you are not able to assure accountability to the people, if you are not able to ensure security of the people, then you should leave your post," another protester said. "I would advise that before his remaining devotees also come back to their senses, he [Modi] should resign and move on."

But not everyone places the blame at Modi's doorstep. 

A man among the protesters told DW's Yadav that he had come to see the protest because his two daughters believed the government was in the wrong. But he was not convinced. 

"What I can see, it is all hoodlums, nothing else, these are misguided children and they are being misguided by the so-called leaders who don't have any political space left for them," he said, speaking of the Indian opposition.

"Who got beaten? The children, the innocent children... That is not a protest, that is violence. It should not be allowed," he said, adding that Modi should take strict action against those who try to march on the Parliament. 

Is Modi's resignation a formal demand?

Not really.

The Cockroach Janta Party, an accidental political pressure group formed two months ago, has been the leading organizer of the student's movement currently seen in India.

Their formal demands include Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over a leaked medical entrance exam, monetary compensation for those impacted by the latest leak, and changes in examination procedure. 

Last week, CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke mentioned calling for Modi's resignation after authorities "forcefully" moved activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest stage citing a high court order. Wangchuk, a renowned environmentalist and educational reformist, had joined the protest by entering an indefinite hunger strike and was moved without consent on the 21st day of his fast.

"Until now, we were demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, but after this despicable act, we will now demand the resignation of Narendra Modi," Dipke had said, upping the ante.

Since then, Dipke has not repeated his comments. 

However, the protests have evolved beyond Dipke's control since the July 20 march to the parliament. Many on site have said they do not particularly support the CJP but the cause for India's education. Calls for Modi's resignation are quietly growing among them.