Kumar Bahukhandi
Cockroach Janta Party gains traction among youth over governance and social concerns. (Image: X)
Gen Z movement highlights unemployment, environment and education issues through memes
Hyderabad: A growing number of Telangana youth are joining the online satirical movement called the Cockroach Janta Party, using social media platforms to voice concerns over unemployment, environmental issues, education delays and governance failures.
The movement, which has gained popularity through meme culture and political satire, features youngsters releasing manifesto-style videos, projecting themselves as chief ministerial candidates and party members while speaking on public issues affecting the state.
Standing near the Telangana Secretariat, one participant highlighted the group’s key demands, including stopping tree cutting near Kasu Brahmananda Reddy National Park and Gachibowli forests, expanding metro rail connectivity and improving public transport services.
“No flyover is worth losing our oxygen. Hyderabad needs its greenery protected,” the participant said in a video circulated online.
The manifesto released by the group also calls for fast-track courts in rape cases, timely conduct of public service examinations, immediate release of pending fee reimbursement dues for students, audits of private colleges over alleged irregularities and better protection for farmers through year-round price support.
The campaign further demands fair salaries for fresh graduates, quality free healthcare in government hospitals and equal pay and opportunities for working women.
Some supporters say the movement reflects growing frustration among young people over issues such as unemployment and the NEET examination controversy.
Speaking to Media , Ghouse, a second-year B.Com student, said many youngsters have become blind followers of political leaders and film stars instead of questioning governance issues.
“The NEET issue and problems faced by students should be discussed more seriously. Young people need to stand up and question the system, but the youth are following as it is a trend and forgetting the main agenda,” he said.
Hyderabad-based drag artist Patruni Sastry said the movement’s use of the word cockroach carries symbolic value, especially for marginalised communities.
“As a queer person and drag artist, I see the movement as an attempt to reclaim satire politically. It has grown from meme culture into a larger online conversation around unemployment and systemic failures,” Sastry said.
However, Sastry also criticised the movement for lacking a clear stand on LGBTQIA+ rights and said it still largely functions as satire rather than an action-oriented political platform.
The members are also sharing that there are many attempts to log into their accounts by unknown people, especially the ones who uploaded on the manifesto for Telangana, expressed.
Mohith, a member of SFI at Hyderabad Central University, said Gen Z is emerging as a powerful anti-establishment force. The youth of this nation have long wanted to express their frustrations, but they lacked a proper platform and articulation.
“There is growing anger among young people over unemployment, inflation, socio-economic inequality, corruption, and the lack of accountability in the system. Today’s youth are demanding a shift away from old, manipulative politics toward a more rational, honest, and genuine political culture.“
