Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday openly backed the rapidly growing online “cockroach” movement led by the self-styled Cockroach Janata Party, describing it as a creative and democratic expression of frustration among India’s youth. In a striking remark that quickly gained attention online, Wangchuk even referred to himself as an “honorary cockroach” while urging the government not to suppress digital dissent and satire.
The unusual online campaign, which uses the image of a cockroach as a symbol of survival, resilience, and resistance, has emerged as a viral internet phenomenon in recent days. The movement combines memes, satire, political commentary, and criticism of public institutions, while also reflecting growing anger among students and unemployed youth over issues such as exam paper leaks, lack of accountability, and job insecurity.
The movement gained additional traction after its organisers alleged that their social media accounts and digital platforms were hacked, withheld, or taken down following online mobilisation connected to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak controversy.
Speaking to PTI, Wangchuk praised the creativity of the movement and argued that the government should focus on understanding the message behind the protest rather than attempting to silence those expressing frustration online.
“First of all, I am very impressed,” Wangchuk said while reacting to the campaign.
“Such creative expressions by our youth are nothing to worry about and nothing to be afraid of. The government should take the message, don't kill the messenger. If we kill the messenger, the message will not end,” he added.
When asked whether he intended to formally join the movement, Wangchuk responded humorously while simultaneously expressing solidarity with its broader concerns.
“I have been asked by several quarters to speak on it. Some are saying I should also become a member,” he said.
“I think I do not qualify, I am neither unemployed nor am I lazy. So sadly, I am not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach.”
The phrase quickly drew widespread attention online and further amplified public discussion surrounding the movement.
Wangchuk compared the campaign to political satire traditionally seen in newspapers and cartoons, arguing that humour, parody, and symbolic criticism are legitimate and important parts of democratic culture.
“Like cartoonists in newspapers, you don't shoot them because they made a caricature of the prime minister, the home minister or the defence minister,” he said.
“Similarly, this is also satire. See it as feedback.”
He further praised India’s youth for choosing peaceful and creative methods of protest instead of turning toward violence or street clashes.
“I am very impressed that the youth of India wanted to bring out their frustration in such a creative way, not on the streets with stones, as has happened in other countries,” Wangchuk stated.
“To respect it is the duty of the Indian government, to look at it lovingly and take its message.”
The educationist also warned authorities against shutting down online platforms or suppressing digital spaces where young people express dissent and frustration.
“Otherwise, what will happen? I am hearing that their accounts are being closed. Then this anger can go anywhere,” he cautioned.
Drawing comparisons with unrest in Nepal, Wangchuk argued that suppressing online expression and limiting democratic outlets for criticism could potentially push frustration into more dangerous directions.
“Violence did not happen just like that in Nepal. When they shut down the internet and stopped creative expressions online, youth came out on the streets and it became an ugly scene,” he said.
Wangchuk also stressed that the issues being highlighted by the movement — particularly allegations of examination paper leaks and demands for accountability — were genuine concerns that deserved serious public attention rather than dismissal.
“They are raising the issue of paper leak, there is nothing wrong with that,” he remarked.
“In any country, ministers resign on such issues, so what is the big deal? Instead of suppressing them, their message should be taken.”
According to Wangchuk, the movement reflects a deeper anxiety among India’s youth who are trying to express dissatisfaction before frustration escalates further.
“They are troubled, so they are expressing that they are worried, but not so much that they take to the streets. This could be the next step,” he warned.
“That is why, at this stage, their voices should be heard.”
Describing the campaign as a uniquely Indian and creative form of democratic protest, Wangchuk said such expressions should be viewed positively and used as an opportunity to strengthen the country.
“It should be taken very positively and used to create a better India,” he stated.
“The creativity with which the youth of India have given this message, such things make us Vishwaguru.”
At the same time, Wangchuk appealed directly to young people to continue expressing themselves peacefully and avoid any path involving violence.
“This is my message to the government, do not push them,” he said.
“And I request the youth to never go towards violence. Keep raising your voice, no matter how much you talk, never go towards violence. On the other hand, the government should not force them to take the path of violence.”
His remarks have now added further visibility and legitimacy to the already viral “cockroach” movement, intensifying debate over youth frustration, online dissent, exam controversies, unemployment, and the government’s handling of digital criticism in India.
