The outrage intensified after the movement’s founder, Abhijeet, claimed that his Instagram account — followed by more than 22 million users — was no longer under his control. Supporters also reported that backup accounts disappeared, hashtags suddenly stopped trending and the group’s website became inaccessible after lakhs of users allegedly signed petitions demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
If a meme page can trigger this level of panic it means somebody believes it has real influence
The movement, built around satire, cockroach imagery and anti-establishment messaging, had rapidly gained traction among Gen Z audiences frustrated with unemployment, exam controversies and rising economic pressure. What began as meme-driven content soon turned into a larger online campaign questioning governance and political narratives.
The government and BJP leaders, however, have hinted that the sudden rise of the campaign may not be organic. Senior leaders suggested the movement could be linked to an “influence operation” backed by external forces, though supporters of the campaign strongly rejected those allegations.
What has surprised political observers is the intensity of the response. “If a meme page can trigger this level of panic, it means somebody believes it has real influence,” said a political analyst tracking digital campaigns.
The episode has now reopened a larger debate around digital freedom, online dissent and the changing nature of political mobilisation in India. While no official confirmation has emerged regarding hacking allegations, the rapid takedown of accounts and disruption of online visibility has only added fuel to the controversy.
For many young users online, the issue is no longer just about one movement. It is becoming a larger conversation about who controls digital narratives in the world’s biggest democracy.
