Modi Says He Forgives Students Over Abusive Slogans During ‘Cockroach’ Protests
News Mania Desk/ Piyal Chatterjee/ 1st August 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said he has forgiven students who used abusive language against him during last month’s youth-led “Cockroach” protests, urging that the demonstrators should be guided rather than subjected to criminal proceedings.
In a video message posted on social media, Modi described the protesters as “misled children” and said punishing them or forcing them to face prolonged court proceedings would not resolve the issue. He said the students should instead be shown the “right path” and given an opportunity to move forward.
The Prime Minister said he was particularly disturbed by the language used against him and his late mother during the demonstrations. He also expressed concern over the use of abusive language by young women, describing the development as a cultural shock before saying he wanted to forgive those involved.
The protests, which emerged in May, grew into a major youth movement following allegations of a question-paper leak that led to the cancellation of a crucial examination. More than two million students were subsequently required to retake the test. What began largely as an online campaign for education reforms expanded into street demonstrations in New Delhi and other parts of the country.
The protesters, who adopted the name “Cockroach Janta Party”, eventually secured their principal demands after the government agreed to the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and promised not to pursue criminal cases against demonstrators.
However, tensions continued in several states. Police cases were filed against hundreds of protesters following clashes with security personnel and the use of abusive slogans against the Prime Minister. The movement has also alleged that students were arrested despite the government’s assurance that cases would be withdrawn.
The controversy has spilled onto social media, with some Modi supporters accused of targeting female protesters, including teenagers, with threats and personal information being shared online. Opposition parties have criticised the government’s handling of the demonstrations and demanded action against Home Minister Amit Shah over the alleged crackdown.
