Can Gen Z fix the cracks in India?

For some reason, Gen-Z in India are seen as politically disengaged, happier to create content than create change. But history has shown that more than once they have surprised the nation through surprise agitations that shook power centres, triggering political shifts and policy changes. Be it the Independence movement or the various campaigns against corruption, students have always led protests for change. And 2026 seems no different, thanks to the way the Cockroach Janata Party has metamorphosed from a meme to a political movement almost overnight. Then there’s the TVK in Tamil Nadu, which was ostensibly pushed to the top spot by students and young people.

Are these students following what’s happening elsewhere in Asia? The cases in point are Nepal’s Gen-Z protests, which saw the improbable rise of rap star Balen Shah, and the 2024 student uprising of Bangladesh. Or, is this just another trend? Is it something that can lead to lasting change?

In the latest edition of Frontline webinar, Vedaant Lakhera chats with Neha, President of the All India Students’ Association; Vijeta Dahiya, spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party; and Rahul Singh Kajla, spokesperson of NSUI about how Gen Z is reshaping political participation, dissent, and electoral culture in India.