A young man once known for defending Narendra Modi has been seen supporting student protests demanding the resignation of India’s education minister.
New Delhi, India – Web Desk: A young Indian man once known for his vocal support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been seen joining nationwide student protests against the government, telling the country’s education minister he should resign.
The 21-year-old, identified as Gautam Singh, had gone viral in March 2025 after criticising the United States while offering emotional support for Modi, a clip in which he said he would rather see flour prices soar than lose Modi as prime minister. That video had made him a recognisable pro-government voice online.
According to reports, Singh has now been seen at protest sites defending the ongoing student-led demonstrations. He was quoted as saying that if Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan cannot deliver justice while holding the post, he should “go drown himself.” When asked during the protest what the United States now says about the situation, Singh reportedly responded sarcastically, referencing past criticism directed his way.
His appearance at the protests has not been independently confirmed beyond the video circulating on social media, and no statement from Singh’s side clarifying his political position has been reported.
The protests he joined are part of a broader youth movement that has been building in India since June, when students began demonstrating over a series of examination paper leaks affecting millions of candidates and linked to several student suicides. The movement, associated with a group calling itself the Cockroach Janta Party, has centred on demands for Pradhan’s resignation, assurances that no criminal cases will be pursued against protesters, and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following exam cancellations.
What began in New Delhi has since spread to other Indian cities, including Mumbai, Patna, Kerala and Goa, with thousands of young people calling for the education minister’s ouster. Prime Minister Modi recently pledged to set up fast-track courts to prosecute those responsible for the leaks, in his first direct public response to the protests. However, protest leaders and opposition parties have rejected the proposal as insufficient, insisting Pradhan must resign first.
The demonstrations have also drawn support from prominent public figures, including activist Sonam Wangchuk, who recently ended a 26-day hunger strike over the issue. Opposition parties have continued to disrupt parliamentary proceedings in solidarity with the protesters.
The government has yet to respond directly to Singh’s changed stance or to comment on individual protesters joining the movement.
