The movement, founded by political communications strategist Abhijeet Dipke, has attracted more than 22 million followers in less than a month and gained traction among young Indians frustrated by job shortages and repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations.

Hundreds gathered at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site, many wearing cockroach masks and carrying books, to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recurring exam paper leaks that protesters say have undermined opportunities for students.

The movement emerged after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared critics and some unemployed youth to cockroaches during a court hearing in May. Although the judge later said his remarks had been taken out of context, activists adopted the term as a symbol of protest.

Participants said the demonstration reflected wider concerns over youth unemployment, governance and educational reforms. According to a recent State of Working India report by Azim Premji University, 67 percent of unemployed Indians aged 20 to 29 are graduates, up from 32 percent in 2004.

Supporters described the protest as the beginning of a broader youth-led campaign that could expand beyond education issues to address other social and economic concerns.

Police maintained a heavy presence around the protest venue, while organizers urged participants to keep the movement peaceful and focused on accountability and reform.

Shah, 35, was appointed by President Ram Chandra Paudel after his Rastriya Swatantra Party won nearly two-thirds of seats in the 275-member House of Representatives in the March 5 polls, giving him a strong parliamentary mandate.

A political outsider popularly known as Balen, Shah faces the immediate challenge of addressing widespread dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political parties, which voters have blamed for entrenched corruption and prolonged instability.

He rose to prominence during the September unrest that brought down the government, aligning himself publicly with largely youth-led protests that reflected growing generational discontent, although he did not directly participate in demonstrations.

The oath-taking ceremony in Katmandu incorporated Hindu and Buddhist rituals, reflecting Nepal’s religious traditions. The ceremony included “shankhnaad,” or the blowing of conch shells, alongside chanting by priests and lamas, as Shah took office with members of his newly appointed cabinet.

Religion and astrology continue to influence public life in Nepal, where auspicious timing is often observed for major events, including political ceremonies.

Trained as a structural engineer, Shah first gained national attention as a rap artist before entering politics and winning the mayoral election in Katmandu.

His rise from cultural figure to national leader has reshaped Nepal’s political landscape, particularly among younger voters.