Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today (Thursday) the establishment of fast-track courts to address cases of exam question leaks, marking his first public comment on the crisis that has sparked widespread protests led by youth demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Modi confirmed in a post on the "X" platform that the future of youth is a top priority, emphasizing that the government will take strict action against those involved in the exam leaks, stating: "No one who tries to harm the future of our youth will escape punishment."

Despite the announcement, protesters and opposition parties rejected the proposal, arguing that the step does not address the root causes of the crisis, and renewed their demands for the resignation of the Education Minister, while opposition MPs continued to disrupt parliamentary sessions for the fourth consecutive day.

On Wednesday evening, New Delhi witnessed limited clashes between demonstrators and police, who used tear gas and batons to disperse the protesters, while local media reported that more than 10,000 people gathered at the main protest site, with several police officers injured after being pelted with stones and plastic bottles.

These protests represent the largest popular challenge Modi has faced from the youth since he took office in 2014, and they constitute the most significant political crisis during his third term, which began in 2024.

The exam leaks have affected around two million students, and local reports have linked the crisis to several cases of suicide, which has intensified public anger.

As protests continue, the Delhi Metro Authority announced the closure of 16 stations in the city center until further notice for security reasons, while the government confirmed that it has begun dialogue with representatives of the protesters and pledged to consider their demands and implement comprehensive reforms to the examination system.

Observers believe that the escalation of protests reflects the growing discontent among youth regarding unemployment issues and the recurring exam leaks, which has provided opposition parties with a new opportunity to pressure Modi's government, which heavily relies on support from young voters.