After viral NEET reel, PM Modi posts second video thanking ‘friends’
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted another Instagram reel on Friday, thanking youngsters for their response to his earlier video posted on early hours of the day on the NEET paper leak issue.
Addressing viewers as “friends”, Modi thanked people for watching his video and sharing suggestions, continuing a series of direct-to-camera social media messages aimed at connecting with younger audiences.
The latest reel came shortly after his midnight video on the examination controversy, which received significant attention online and reportedly increased his Instagram following.
Reels, reach and the politics of perception
The timing of the social media push has drawn criticism from opponents and protesters, who argue that the government is focusing heavily on digital messaging while key questions over responsibility for the examination crisis remain unanswered.
The NEET controversy has triggered protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where students and supporters have demanded accountability, reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
While the Prime Minister’s videos attempt to present a direct connection with young citizens, critics argue that personalised social media content cannot replace answers on how examination irregularities occurred and why affected students had to bear the consequences.
Youth outreach amid student anger
The push towards Instagram and Reels comes as youth-led movements increasingly use the same platforms to organise protests and amplify concerns.
The CJP protest has gained visibility through viral videos, live updates and online campaigns, making social media a major space for the political battle over the NEET issue.
The government’s increased focus on Instagram has therefore been viewed by critics as an attempt to regain control of the online narrative at a time when student anger is dominating digital conversations.
Questions over accountability remain
The Centre has announced stricter punishment for paper leaks and proposed changes to strengthen examination laws.
However, protesters continue to argue that legal reforms alone do not address questions of accountability within the existing system.
The demand for action against those responsible, transparency in the examination process and responsibility from senior officials remains at the centre of the ongoing agitation.
As the government increases its presence on social media, the NEET controversy highlights a growing political contest between online image-building and demands for answers on the ground.