Amid CJP protest heat, PM Modi tells ministers to connect with youth through Instagram Reels

Addressing ministers during a Cabinet meeting, PM Modi highlighted Instagram's popularity among young Indians and said it could serve as an important platform to connect with a key demographic.

"Young people are just on Instagram. This is a potential segment of citizens that we all need to connect with," he told his colleagues, according to NDTV's sources.

Ministers asked to create interactive content

During the meeting, the Prime Minister asked Cabinet members how many of them actively use Instagram and pointed out that millions of young people engage with the platform every day.

He advised ministers to use the social media platform not only to share government initiatives but also to hold direct conversations with young citizens.

PM Modi suggested that ministers create reels and develop interactive content to explain the government's work and reach out to the younger generation.

The remarks came shortly after the Prime Minister posted a video message on Instagram outlining steps being planned by the government to tackle examination paper leaks.

NEET protesters demand Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation

The Prime Minister's advice came amid a growing protest movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar, where thousands of students have gathered demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET paper leaks and examination irregularities.

The agitation intensified after students attempting to march towards Parliament on July 20 faced police action, with several protesters reportedly injured.

PM announces steps against paper leaks

On Thursday night, PM Modi issued a video statement saying the government would take stricter measures against those involved in paper leak cases.

"Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families," he said, adding that fast-track courts would be set up to deal with such cases.

He said the proposal would be discussed by the Cabinet and efforts would be made to introduce legislation in Parliament.

Following the video message, the Prime Minister's Instagram following reportedly increased by one million in a day.

CJP holds talks with Centre

The developments came after CJP representatives held discussions with Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State for PMO Jitendra Singh on Friday.

CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

He added that the Centre had shown "in-principle approval" on two other demands — compensation for families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide and withdrawal of FIRs and legal cases against students.

However, government sources said Dharmendra Pradhan continues to have the BJP's backing and that his resignation is not being considered.