'Generation Gutter' Row: Kangana Ranaut's Remarks on NEET Protesters Trigger Political Storm
BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut sparked a political controversy after calling some NEET-UG 2026 protesters "Generation Gutter" while reacting to viral videos that allegedly showed offensive slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Her remarks drew sharp criticism from opposition parties and student leaders, who accused her of insulting an entire generation of students. Kangana defended her comments, saying she was condemning the behaviour seen in the videos. The row has since evolved into a wider debate over student protests, political language, and accountability.
New Delhi: A fresh political controversy has erupted after BJP MP and actor Kangana Ranaut referred to protesting students as "Generation Gutter" while reacting to demonstrations over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. Her remarks have sparked widespread criticism from opposition parties and student groups, turning the issue into a major political flashpoint.
What Led to the Controversy?
Students have been staging protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding accountability over the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak. During the protests, several videos surfaced on social media that allegedly showed some participants using objectionable slogans and language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Reacting to these viral clips, Kangana Ranaut shared an Instagram Story describing the videos as "disgusting" and "nauseating." She accused some protesters of blindly imitating Western protest culture and referred to them as "Generation Gutter."
Opposition Hits Back
Kangana's remarks immediately drew strong reactions from opposition leaders.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) spokesperson Saurav Das said that today's young generation does not take Kangana's statements seriously. Responding to the criticism, Kangana defended herself by saying, "At the age of 28, I had already won two National Awards, while some people still call themselves students and do politics."
Her comments further intensified the political debate surrounding the student protests.
Political Reactions Intensify
Several opposition parties, including the Congress and the Samajwadi Party, criticized Kangana's statement, arguing that it was inappropriate for a public representative to label an entire generation of students protesting over an issue affecting the future of millions.
Opposition leaders maintained that while objectionable slogans, if used, should be condemned, generalizing all protesting students as "Generation Gutter" was equally unacceptable.
Debate Moves Beyond the NEET Issue
The controversy has now expanded beyond the alleged paper leak itself. It has evolved into a broader debate over political language, freedom of protest, and the responsibilities of elected representatives while addressing youth-led movements.
Supporters of Kangana argue that she was criticizing the offensive language allegedly used by some protesters, while critics believe her remarks unfairly targeted an entire generation of students.
As the political row continues, the "Generation Gutter" remark has become one of the most talked-about controversies linked to the ongoing NEET protest movement, further intensifying the national conversation around education reforms, student rights, and political accountability.