TN: ‘Cockroach’ protests held in Coimbatore, Madurai over unemployment and exam irregularities
Coimbatore, May 24 (IANS) Youth organisations staged protests in Tamil Nadu’s Madurai and Coimbatore on Sunday under the banner “Cockroach”, drawing attention to concerns over unemployment, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, rising fuel prices and corruption.
The demonstrations, organised by the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), witnessed participation from large numbers of students and young people demanding employment opportunities and equitable access to education.
In Madurai, participants gathered near the Gandhi Memorial Museum before beginning a rally that proceeded towards Tamukkam Grounds.
Protesters carried placards displaying cockroach symbols and raised slogans highlighting issues such as unemployment and corruption.
Organisers said the campaign aimed to bring attention to the challenges faced by youths struggling with job opportunities and educational accessibility.
A similar protest was organised in Coimbatore by the district unit of DYFI.
Youths wearing cockroach masks participated in a procession that started near the Corporation Boys Higher Secondary School at Sidhapudur in Gandhipuram and concluded near the Gandhipuram bus stand.
Police personnel were deployed along the route to maintain security and regulate traffic movement.
Organisers said the demonstrations were intended to draw the Union government’s attention to what they described as pressing issues affecting young people across the country.
Among the demands raised during the rallies were measures to address unemployment, action against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, steps to control rising petrol and diesel prices, and stronger safeguards for educational rights.
The unusual symbolism used in the campaign drew considerable public attention, with the “cockroach” motif emerging as a central identity for the protests.
According to organisers, the symbolism gained traction after remarks attributed to the Chief Justice of India Surya Kant allegedly comparing unemployed youths to “cockroaches and parasites”.
Following the controversy, a satirical social media trend identified as the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) reportedly gained popularity, particularly among Gen Z users online.
Organisers claimed that many young people facing unemployment and livelihood pressures had begun identifying with the symbol as a way of expressing frustration and resistance.
The protests reflected growing concerns among sections of the youth over employment prospects and economic challenges, while also demonstrating how online trends are increasingly shaping political messaging and public mobilisation.
–IANS
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