Protest of Gen Z Movement Demands Accountability in India

In New Delhi on Saturday, thousands gathered to support a burgeoning Gen Z movement focused on demanding greater governmental accountability. The movement is also calling for the resignation of India’s education minister amidst multiple scandals related to student exams.

The movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party, originated from a satirical website created by Abhijeet Dipke, a recent Boston University graduate. This initiative began as a humorous response to a remark by India’s chief justice, who likened jobless, critical young Indians to cockroaches. Mr. Dipke’s action quickly turned into a platform for many Indians to voice systemic frustrations.

“How long will we live in fear of this government?”

These words were spoken by Mr. Dipke as he addressed the crowd under the oppressive heat, having arrived straight from the airport after a long flight from Boston. At 30, Mr. Dipke has inadvertently become a symbol for many Indians, including Gen Z, who face high youth unemployment, poorly managed student exams, and a heavy-handed government approach that they feel undermines democratic rights and neglects their interests.

Shakeel Abdul, a 35-year-old architect, traveled from Bengaluru with a friend for the protest. Mr. Abdul stressed the importance of supporting the youth, asserting, “The future of this country is its youth. If we don’t give them support, then I would not call myself a citizen of this country.”