‘Cockroaches Emerge From Gutters’: Kangana Ranaut Defends Her ‘Gutter Generation’ Jibe

BJP MP Kangana Ranaut has defended her ‘Gutter Generation’ remarks against student protesters, saying she was referring to a specific section and not India’s entire Gen-Z population.

Speaking to ANI outside Parliament on Thursday, Ranaut said those who describe themselves as “cockroaches” should not object to her linking them with gutters.

“If people label themselves as cockroaches, and we say the gutter is their home, why should they be offended?” she said.

Ranaut added that she would reject the same description if it were directed at her. “I certainly don’t consider myself a cockroach,” she said, arguing that her comments were aimed only at those who had used the term for themselves.

Ranaut says she did not target all youth

The actor-turned-politician rejected accusations that she had insulted young Indians as a whole.

She said her comments about drug use, betting, gambling and the dark web were meant to address a particular section of young people rather than make a general statement about Gen-Z.

Ranaut had earlier coined the term ‘Generation Gutter’ while criticising videos from student protests in Delhi. She also specifically targeted some young Hindu women, accusing them of copying the lifestyle of independent career women while remaining dependent on their parents.

How the controversy began

The remarks followed student protests at Jantar Mantar, where thousands had gathered under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over the NEET-UG paper leak and examination reforms.

The agitation intensified after a police crackdown during the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march. The protests were withdrawn on July 25 after the government accepted several demands and then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned.

Ranaut later shared footage from the protests on Instagram and described the language and behaviour seen in some videos as offensive. Her posts triggered criticism from opposition politicians, film personalities and social media users.

Sonu Sood, opposition leaders criticise remarks

Actor Sonu Sood called Ranaut’s comments “very shameful”, while AIMIM leader Waris Pathan and Congress politician Bhai Jagtap also criticised her.

Opposition leaders questioned her response to students who had allegedly faced police action during the protests and accused her of showing little empathy towards them.

Ranaut has continued to maintain that her remarks were directed at specific protesters and not the youth at large.

Ranaut’s latest film

On the professional front, Ranaut was last seen in ‘Bharat Bhhagya Viddhaata’, directed by Manoj Tapadia.

The film is based on the reported story of healthcare workers at Mumbai’s Cama Hospital during the 2008 terror attacks.