Why did Modi address Gen Z ‘friends' in viral reel? Here is what BJP said about PM's outreach to India's youth

Published 28 July 2026 · local

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as "friends" in two videos, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on

Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi as "friends" in two videos, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Monday explained why he chose the term for the largely Gen Z crowd and highlighted what the Modi-led government is doing to restore confidence in the country's education system. In a post on Instagram, the BJP wrote, "Friends... wasn't just a message. It was a COMMITMENT. From listening to students' concerns to introducing stronger laws against paper leaks, PM Modi's government is working to safeguard merit and restore confidence in the examination system." Quick answers to key questions • 5 QUESTIONS 1 Why did PM Modi address the protesting Gen Z crowd as 'friends'? ⌵ PM Modi used the term 'friends' to underscore his commitment to addressing students' concerns and restoring confidence in the education system, highlighting the government's efforts to combat examination irregularities. 2 What amendments does the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 propose? ⌵ The bill proposes stricter penalties, including up to 10 years of imprisonment, increased fines, and the establishment of fast-track courts to expedite trials related to examination fraud. 3 How does the new anti-paper leak law aim to improve the examination system in India? ⌵ The law introduces faster investigations, special task forces, and increased penalties for offenders, aiming to enhance integrity and fairness in public examinations.

4 What are the penalties for individuals found guilty of cheating in public examinations under the new law? ⌵ Individuals using unfair means may face imprisonment of five to ten years and fines of up to ₹50 lakh, with organized fraud resulting in longer sentences and higher fines. 5 Should students be concerned about the implications of the new anti-paper leak bill? ⌵ The new bill aims to protect students' interests by ensuring a fair examination process, thus boosting confidence in their hard work and the integrity of public examinations. Also Read | CJP protests: SC mulls independent probe into all allegations of police excesses Centre introduces Anti-Paper Leak Bill: Here's what we know The party's social media account also shared a series of images, suggesting that ever since PM Modi released the videos, vowing strict action against those involved in paper leaks, the Centre has proposed a new anti-paper leak bill titled "The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026." The amendment introduces strict timelines, including Completion of investigations within two months 2. Special fast-track courts 3. Completion of trials within three months of the filing of a chargesheet 4. Appeals to be ideally decided within three months 5. Dedicated Special Task Forces 6. An increase in the debarment period to eight years Further, the post reiterated PM Modi's use of "friends" to address those who stood in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which had been protesting since June 20, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system, especially after the NEET-UG paper leak incident earlier this year.