United News of Bangladesh

For weeks, young protesters in India mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government with placards and slogans, rallying under an unusual name — the Cockroach Janta Party. The movement achieved something few protests have managed during Modi’s more than 12 years in power: it helped force the resignation of a cabinet minister. Modi has been one of India’s most powerful prime ministers in recent decades, winning elections while building a reputation as a strong and decisive leader. His government has rarely been seen backing down in the face of public pressure. But the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan last month was a major exception, political experts said. The move came after pressure from the “Cockroach” movement and highlighted the growing political influence of India’s under-25 population, which accounts for nearly half of the country’s population. It also showed how young Indians are increasingly using digital platforms to organise protests. “This particular round has ended in a very important defeat for Mr. Modi,” said Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay, a political analyst and author of a biography of Modi. He said the minister’s resignation could make people less afraid of protesting against a government that critics have long accused of restricting dissent. “The threshold of fear has been broken. People are no longer scared to go and step out and protest,” he said. Movement wants to be a watchdog, not a political party The protests started in May as a satirical campaign with one main demand — Pradhan’s resignation over alleged leaks of examination papers that could affect the future of millions of young people. As the protests grew, young urban Indians mobilised through social media and street demonstrations. The movement soon expanded into a wider campaign for accountability, reflecting concerns over youth unemployment, government transparency and the management of public institutions. Mukhopadhyay said it was the first time in recent years that a student-led movement had maintained enough momentum to force the government to meet its main demand without the support of established political parties. “Each one had their own little grievance about life not taking them anywhere,” he said. It remains unclear whether the movement’s energy can eventually translate into votes against Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party. Saurav Das, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party, said the movement had demonstrated the power of public pressure in a democracy. “An arrogant government which did not blink for 12 years was forced to blink when the youth united,” he said. He stressed that the group does not want to become a political party. “We want to remain a pressure group,” he said. Movement pushes Modi toward Gen Z outreach The protests also appear to have prompted changes within Modi’s party. In recent weeks, Modi has increasingly appeared in short, vertical videos aimed at young audiences on Instagram and other popular social media platforms. The BJP has also stepped up its efforts to reach Gen Z through online campaigns. Some party lawmakers have started using youth slang in public appearances, including speeches in Parliament. Many members of Modi’s cabinet are aged 60 or older. The shift comes after the government initially dismissed the protests as insignificant. But as demonstrations attracted larger crowds, authorities were forced to recognise the movement and respond to its growing influence. Since Pradhan’s resignation, Modi has also spoken about forgiving people who mocked him, in what appeared to be an effort to rebuild ties with younger audiences. Mukhopadhyay said the movement’s biggest impact was that it challenged the perception of Modi as a leader largely immune to public pressure. “That image of Mr. Modi is heavily tarnished,” he said. Some Modi supporters, however, have responded more aggressively. Online activists aligned with the ruling party have sought to identify protesters and publish their personal information, apparently to intimidate them. Other officials could face pressure Solidarity protests were held in several other Indian cities. Supporters also sent food and other supplies to protesters who were camping in New Delhi and taking part in hunger strikes. Opposition leaders, rights activists and some Bollywood celebrities publicly supported the movement, helping spread its message beyond the protest sites. For Neha Bora, who joined a hunger strike in New Delhi, the movement showed that ordinary citizens could still hold powerful officials accountable. “If they (ministers) do not serve the people of this country, no matter what cabinet minister they are, they will be brought down from their seats,” she said.

A satirical online political movement dubbed the “Cockroach Janta Party” has gained massive traction across India after controversial remarks by the country’s chief justice comparing some unemployed young people and activists to cockroaches. The controversy erupted on Friday when Chief Justice Surya Kant, during a Supreme Court hearing, referred to “parasites” attacking the system and remarked that some unemployed youths become activists or social media commentators and begin criticizing institutions. “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment or have any place in the profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone,” he said. The comments triggered widespread criticism, particularly among India’s Gen Z population, many of whom face rising unemployment, inflation and growing social tensions. Although Justice Kant later clarified that his remarks were aimed at individuals obtaining fraudulent degrees rather than the country’s youth, the explanation did little to quell the backlash online. Capitalising on the outrage, Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old public relations graduate, posted a tongue-in-cheek message on social media asking what would happen if all “cockroaches” united. The joke quickly evolved into the “Cockroach Janta Party” — a parody of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Within days, the movement attracted millions of followers on social media and hundreds of thousands of membership applications. The party describes itself as “a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth” and uses humour and satire to highlight issues such as unemployment, political accountability, media independence and concerns over democratic institutions. Supporters say the movement reflects growing frustration among young Indians struggling with limited job opportunities despite the country’s economic growth. Official data show graduate unemployment remains significantly higher than the national average, reports Al Jazeera. Former civil servant Ashish Joshi, who joined the movement, said many Indians feel increasingly hesitant to express dissent and view the satirical campaign as a rare outlet for public frustration. Prominent lawyer and activist Prashant Bhushan also criticised the chief justice’s remarks, arguing they reflected broader prejudice against young people and activists. He said the popularity of the movement demonstrates a growing demand for accountability and public debate. Dipke said the party’s branding and manifesto were created within 24 hours using artificial intelligence tools, turning what began as an online joke into a nationwide conversation about youth discontent and political expression.

Dealing with cockroaches and bugs can be a pain, especially when they invade your kitchen and home. While conventional insecticides are commonly used to destroy these pests, they often contain harmful, toxic chemicals that can pose risks to human health and the environment. Fortunately, there are several natural methods you can apply to get rid of cockroaches and bugs without using harsh insecticides. This article will explore some effective techniques that can help you keep your kitchen and home cockroach- and bugs-free. How pesticide can be harmful to health Exposure to toxic insecticides used for killing cockroaches can pose significant threats to human health. Some chemicals designed to kill pests can also have adverse effects on humans. When insecticides are applied at home or other indoor spaces, they can contaminate the air we breathe -- leading to respiratory problems such as coughing, wheezing, and irritation of the throat and lungs.  Prolonged exposure or excessive use of these chemicals has been linked to more severe health issues, including allergic reactions, skin rashes, headaches, nausea, and even neurological disorders. Additionally, children are particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of insecticides due to their size and developing immune system. Read more: 9- and 15-year-old brothers in Dhaka’s Bashundhara dead after ‘pesticide poisoning’ 10 completely safe ways to get rid of cockroaches and bugs at home Leave no dirty dishes in the sink Leaving no dirty dishes in the sink is an important practice to prevent the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. When dishes and utensils are left unwashed and pile up in the sink, they become a potential food source for pests. The leftover food particles and residues on the dishes attract insects, including cockroaches, ants, and flies. To avoid this, make it a habit to clean your dishes promptly after use. Wash them with hot, soapy water, ensuring that all food residues are removed. If you are unable to wash them immediately, at least rinse off the leftover food before placing them in the sink. Clear your garbage Clearing up your garbage is crucial to preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Pests are attracted to the odor and food waste in the garbage, making it a potential breeding ground for infestations. Read more: 2 insect species classified as threatened as glaciers melt To effectively manage your garbage, use a sealable trash bin with a tight-fitting lid to contain odors and deter pests. Dispose of your garbage regularly to avoid the buildup of food waste and odors that attract bugs and cockroaches. Double-bagging is particularly strong for wet garbage. Make sure to properly secure trash bags before placing them in the bin. Clean the food crumbs Cleaning up food crumbs is essential for preventing the presence of bugs and cockroaches in your kitchen and home. Crumbs and food particles left on countertops, tables, and floors serve as a tempting food source for pests. To effectively prevent infestations, make it a habit to clean up food crumbs promptly. Regularly sweep or vacuum your kitchen and dining area to remove any stray crumbs. Use baking soda To effectively stop the invasion, a blend of baking soda and sugar proves to be a highly efficient technique. Sugar acts as an attractive agent for cockroaches, while baking soda kills them. To effectively address the issue, it is crucial to identify the hiding spots of the pests and generously apply the mixture to the corners. Read more: Exploring Dengue Diagnosis: The Essential Tests for Detecting the Virus