Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he wanted to "forgive" protesters who abused him during recent youth-led demonstrations that posed a rare political challenge to his government. The protests were mobilized by the online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in New Delhi and other cities, sparked by examination paper leaks.

Videos widely circulated showed some protesters shouting insults at Modi. These individuals have since faced online abuse from Modi supporters and police complaints, according to local media reports. Authorities have also requested social media platforms, including Meta and X, to remove content described as abusive and manipulated targeting the prime minister.

"The country and the world witnessed what happened at Jantar Mantar. Some mischievous youngsters hurled vile abuses," Modi, 75, said in a video posted on Instagram late on Friday, August 1, 2026.

The demonstrations represent one of the biggest challenges to Modi's government in recent years.

Sources