Recent youth-led protests in India, spearheaded by the online Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), have presented a significant challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, ultimately leading to the resignation of the education minister. Initially sparked by exam irregularities, the demonstrations broadened to encompass concerns regarding unemployment, limited opportunities, and perceived authoritarianism. The government responded by increasing penalties for exam paper leaks and withdrawing cases against protestors, signalling a rare concession. These protests highlighted India’s evolving digital landscape, with activists leveraging social media – notably Instagram – to circumvent traditional media and connect with younger audiences. Simultaneously, the demonstrations revealed a concerning trend of government surveillance utilizing AI-powered technology, alongside reports of online harassment and internet shutdowns. While the large-scale demonstrations have subsided, the movement exposed deep-seated frustrations and signaled a shift in the dynamics between the government and its youth population.