Madurai: In an unusual protest, hundreds of unemployed young people gathered on the streets of Madurai on Sunday to participate in what organisers described as Tamil Nadu’s first-ever “Cockroach Rally”.

The protest was organised to highlight growing unemployment concerns and condemn recent remarks attributed to Supreme Court judge Surya Kant, who allegedly compared unemployed youth to cockroaches.

The demonstration was jointly led by the Democratic Youth Federation of India and the Students' Federation of India. Supporters of the viral satirical online movement known as the “Cockroach Janata Party” also participated in large numbers.

Protest march draws large crowd in Madurai

The rally began from the premises of the Gandhi Memorial Museum and concluded with a large demonstration near the Tamil Annai statue at the Thamukkam Ground.

Participants carried placards with slogans such as “We Want Work, We Want Life, We Want Respect” while several others displayed posters reading “Rally of the Unemployed Cockroaches”.

The protestors also raised slogans against the government led by Narendra Modi, accusing it of failing to fulfil promises related to employment generation.

They further criticised rising prices of petrol, diesel and essential commodities, arguing that inflation and unemployment together have worsened the financial condition of ordinary families.

Judge’s remarks trigger national debate

The controversy erupted after Justice Surya Kant reportedly remarked that unemployed youth were turning into “cockroaches” and attacking everyone. The statement triggered criticism and outrage among many job seekers and students across the country.

Soon afterwards, the satirical “Cockroach Janata Party” emerged on social media, rapidly gaining popularity online. According to organisers, the page attracted more than 10 million followers within four days before reportedly being blocked by the central government.

The online movement has since inspired several protests, memes and youth-led campaigns focused on unemployment, corruption and economic distress.

Villupuram witnesses parallel protest

A similar agitation was also organised in Villupuram, where a signature campaign was launched near the New Bus Stand under the leadership of DYFI District Organiser Arivalagan.

Residents and unemployed youth participated in the campaign, demanding immediate employment opportunities and criticising what they described as unfulfilled promises by the central government.

Organisers demand employment opportunities

Speaking to reporters during the Madurai protest, organiser Selvam said young people across India had united online against unemployment and corruption.

“Youth of India have united online to fight against rampant corruption, severe unemployment, and Prime Minister Modi's unfulfilled promise of providing 20 million jobs a year. We are taking to the streets today to demand that the Modi government immediately provide employment opportunities,” he said.

Condemning the remarks attributed to the Supreme Court judge, Selvam added that comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches was deeply offensive.

“Comparing the hardworking youth, who are the pillars of this nation, to cockroaches and tarnishing their dignity is completely unacceptable. We vehemently condemn the Supreme Court judge's statement,” he stated.

Protestors highlight economic distress

The demonstrators also said that rising inflation and worsening economic conditions had pushed many educated young people from lower-income and middle-class families into financial hardship and emotional distress.

According to protestors, lack of stable employment opportunities has left many graduates struggling to secure their livelihoods despite years of education and training.

Agency inputs