Narendra Modi shattered Instagram’s Reel record with over 300 million views in 24 hours. His two selfie videos, posted late Thursday and Friday, dominated India’s largest social media platform amid nationwide student protests.
The previous record belonged to YouTuber IShowSpeed, who captured his meeting with BTS after the FIFA World Cup final. Modi’s videos eclipsed that by a wide margin, fueled by a young population that makes up nearly half of India’s 1.4 billion people.
The protests erupted over the NEET medical entrance exam scandal. The exam, held May 3, was cancelled on May 12 after a paper leak triggered outrage. Students blamed Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, demanding his resignation.
Abhijeet Dipke, a student organizer, founded the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on May 16. This unofficial movement quickly amassed more than 20 million followers online. Their protest signs mix pop culture references with irreverent language, reflecting a sharp youth culture.
Modi’s original video addressed protesters as “friends.” Parody videos swiftly emerged, stripping his words and replying bluntly, “No, we are not.” Jokes mocking Modi’s gestures and mannerisms spread like wildfire, turning serious grievances into viral memes.
Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on July 25, citing the nationwide unrest. “Considering the situation that has arisen at Jantar Mantar [protest site] and across the country,” he said, “so that anti-national forces do not take advantage of this situation … I have sent my resignation letter to the Prime Minister.”
Pradhan expressed his respect for India’s youth, “I deeply respect the aspirations, feelings, and legitimate expectations of the country’s youth.” His exit marks a rare concession amid growing digital activism that blends social media savvy with street protests.
India hosts roughly 480 million Instagram users, the platform’s largest market worldwide. Modi, with over 100 million followers, wields significant influence on social media. His late-night selfie-style video promised swift legal action against exam leaks but failed to quell the movement.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s two-month campaign shows how digital communities can challenge traditional power structures. The protests are not just about exam integrity. They highlight deep frustrations with governance and unfulfilled promises.
While Modi’s Instagram record signals his digital reach, it also underscores the new battleground in India’s political landscape. Youth-led movements now blend viral content with real-world impact—sometimes forcing ministers out of office.
Based on
- Modi breaks Instagram’s Reel record with 300 million views as student protests sweep India — thenextweb.com
- India’s ‘Cockroach’ protests take on Modi with unlikely weapons: sharp, irreverent humor and memes | The Independent — independent.co.uk
- India’s education minister resigns in major victory for youth protesters – France 24 — france24.com
- Dharmendra Pradhan resigns: Victory for ‘Cockroach’ movement — ctvnews.ca
- India’s education minister quits in major win for youth protesters | South China Morning Post — scmp.com
