India’s Gen Z 'Cockroaches': A Viral Movement That Forced Change

The Cockroach Janta Party began in mid-May 2026 after a Supreme Court remark compared some critics to 'cockroaches' during a hearing. Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University student, set up a satirical account that has since gained millions of followers and turned into a youth movement.

While the campaign started online, supporters have held sit-ins and marches across several cities. Protesters camped at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and tried to march on Parliament, where police used tear gas and batons to stop them. A well-known activist, Sonam Wangchuk, began a hunger strike in solidarity and was later taken to hospital by police. The movement has also used humor and memes, and its Instagram page passed 22 million followers as it spread.

Demonstrators demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, investigation of exam leaks, and compensation for affected families. The government handed the probe to the CBI and later the minister resigned on July 25, 2026, after weeks of pressure. Therefore the organizers called off the mass street protests, but many observers say Gen Z has shown new political influence.