Munish sood
New Delhi
A fresh political storm has erupted after Mandi BJP MP and Bollywood actress Kangana Ranaut lashed out at participants of the recently concluded student‑led protests, branding a section of Gen Z as “Generation Gutter” and describing videos from the demonstrations as “puke inducing.”
Her remarks, made through a series of Instagram posts following the end of the 36‑day agitation led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), student organisations and civil society groups, have triggered sharp reactions across the political spectrum. The protests concluded on July 25 after the Centre accepted several key demands, including the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In her posts, Ranaut criticised the protesters’ language, appearance and behaviour, claiming the videos reflected “filth, garbage and ugliness.” She argued that India is rooted in cultural values and elegance, and alleged that the conduct of some participants was contrary to those traditions.
Targeting women protesters, she asserted that true independence requires accountability and responsibility, accusing some of glorifying “irresponsible lifestyles” while relying on family support. This prompted her to label them “Generation Gutter.”
Defending those who confronted the protesters online, Ranaut invoked Newton’s Third Law of Motion, saying: “Every action has an equal and opposite reaction.”
The comments quickly went viral, drawing criticism from Congress leaders Renuka Chowdhury and Imran Pratapgarhi, who said her words were unbecoming of a Member of Parliament and vowed that India’s youth would respond democratically.
Social media users were divided — many condemned her for derogatory language and pointed to her history of controversial remarks, while others defended her right to free expression and supported her critique of the protest movement.
The episode has reignited debate over the tone of political discourse on social media, freedom of expression, and the responsibilities of elected representatives in public debate.
