Gen Z protest movement reshapes Indian politics

A Gen Z-led movement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has sparked nationwide protests after the Chief Justice of India called unemployed youth 'cockroaches' and question paper leaks plagued exams. The July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march, though peaceful, was met with police force, including lathicharge and tear gas, Frontline reports. The crackdown backfired, triggering solidarity protests in London, Berlin, Sydney, New York, and other cities, with images going viral within hours.

Within 60 days of its founding on May 16, the CJP gained about 2 crore Instagram followers, Frontline notes. Its demands include justice for 18 students who died by suicide and accountability for 152 paper leaks. The movement has drawn support from educationists, student groups, political leaders across parties, actors, and religious communities, especially Sikhs who provided aid to injured protesters.

Frontline reports that the protests have eroded Prime Minister Narendra Modi's image and secured the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a first in 12 years of BJP rule. The movement uses satire and memes, bewildering authorities, Times Now adds. Gen Z voices told Times Now that these internet-born movements succeed because they offer relatability and address issues like jobs and education, unlike traditional parties.