A spontaneous protest movement dubbed the “Cockroach Janta Party” emerged from an offhand remark by CJI Surya Kant, showing how a single word can spark widespread dissent. Driven largely by Gen Z, the movement uses humour, satire and non-ideological unity to protest issues like NEET exam irregularities, education reform, unemployment and concerns over democratic institutions. Its appeal cuts across caste, class and religion, drawing broad support.

Inside India’s Cockroach Janta Party: why Gen Z is marching in Delhi over exam leaks, NEET reforms, police clashes and calls for the education minister to quit.

In our latest episode of the breakdown, Channel 4 News explores how India’s Gen Z ‘cockroach’ movement - which started as an online joke - has now disrupted Indian politics.

Cockroach Janta Party timeline: From a viral joke to a national movement