Cockroach Janta Party
Indian satirical political movement
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The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP; lit. 'Cockroach People's Party') is an Indian satirical political movement founded on 16 May 2026 by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist who formerly worked with the Aam Aadmi Party. It was created in response to remarks made on 15 May 2026 by Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India, in which he called some activists and unemployed youth "cockroaches" and "parasites of society", sparking immediate national outrage.[1] The name is a wordplay parodying the ruling party in India, the Bharatiya Janata Party.[2] Within days of its founding, the movement garnered over 350,000 sign-ups and over 20 million followers on Instagram.[3] The movement has also engaged in offline activities, with volunteers participating in protests and clean-up drives dressed in cockroach costumes.[2] Though the movement is not registered as a political party with the Election Commission of India, it campaigns against broader societal, economic, and political issues affecting the Indian youth.[4]
- Saurav Das
- Vijeta Dahiya
- Ashutosh Ranka
Cockroach Janta Party | |
|---|---|
| |
| Abbreviation | CJP |
| President | Abhijeet Dipke |
| Spokesperson |
|
| Founders | Abhijeet Dipke |
| Founded | 16 May 2026 |
| Headquarters | New Delhi, India |
| Ideology | Political satire |
| Colours | Maroon |
| Slogan | Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed |
| ECI Status | Not registered |
| Election symbol | |
 | |
| Website | |
| cockroachjantaparty | |
Background and formation
Background
The origin of the movement is tied to a contempt plea filed in Supreme Court of India against Delhi High Court for delay in designation of senior advocate title. A two-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi refused to hear the case, remarking that the court was waiting for an appropriate case to direct CBI investigation of lawyers practicing under fake degrees.[5] While reprimanding the petitioner's lawyer for unprofessional conduct in reference to language used on social media as well as use of "frivolous" litigation targeting judiciary system,[6][5] Kant drew parallels to unemployed individuals that turn to social media, media and public activism to attack government institutions, comparing them to "cockroaches" and "parasites". This drew widespread backlash.[7][8][9]
There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them? There are youngsters like cockroaches; they don’t get any employment, and they don’t have any place in a profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, some of them become RTI activists, some of them become other activists, and they start attacking everyone… And you people file contempt petitions.[8]
Kant issued a clarification stating that his remarks had been misquoted and that he was specifically criticising individuals who had entered the "legal, media, social media, and other noble professions" using fake degrees, and that he considered India's youth very highly.[10][11][6] Despite the clarification, the controversial "cockroach" label stuck with youth.[12]
Social media beginnings
Digital communications strategist Abhijeet Dipke decided to turn the "insult" around and use it as a tool for protest, launching the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) online on 16 May 2026, as a satirical parody of the ruling political establishment. The CJP created a mock political platform that rapidly exploded in popularity across social media.[13] Dipke stated in an interview with India Today that the Chief Justice's comments were particularly hurtful because they came from the custodian of the Constitution, who is tasked with protecting freedom of expression.[14]
The name "Cockroach Janta Party" is a direct reference to the CJI's remarks, as well as a play on the ruling party, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP),[15] as a "platform for all the 'cockroaches' out there" listing the eligibility criteria as being unemployed, lazy, chronically online, and able to rant professionally.[16] The party's website went live on 16 May under the tagline "Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed".[17] Dipke claimed that the CJP is not affiliated with any political organisation and intends to serve as a "platform" for young Indians who feel left out of mainstream politics.[18]
Dipke used artificial intelligence (AI) tools like Claude and ChatGPT to design the website and the manifesto,[15] as well as AI-generated images that were used to promote the movement.[19] The movement grew rapidly on social media platforms. Within 78 hours of launch, the Instagram account crossed 3 million followers. It then surpassed 10 million in under five days, overtaking the official handle of the BJP.[14] As of 22 May 2026,[update] the account had over 20 million followers.[20] The movement also crossed 200,000 followers on X,[2] and claims to have registered over 350,000 members through online forms.[15] Alongside its online presence, the movement organizes offline protests and community service activities across various states.[15][21]
Founder
Abhijeet Dipke was born on 29 September 1995 in Aurangabad, Maharashtra.[22][23] Dipke earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism in Pune.[24][23] He then moved to the United States and completed a Master of Science in Public Relations from Boston University.[25]
Between 2020 and 2023, Dipke worked as a volunteer with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) social media team. During the 2020 Delhi Legislative Assembly election, which AAP won under Arvind Kejriwal's leadership, he made meme-based digital content aimed at young voters. He also served as a communication advisor for the Delhi government's education department.[26] He left AAP in 2023 to study abroad.
Leadership
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has three official spokespersons: Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya, and Ashutosh Ranka.[27]
Ideology
The CJP describes itself as "a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth: Secular, Socialist, Democratic, and Lazy."[10] Dipke has stated that the campaign is not interested in becoming a traditional political party and has no interest in inducting established politicians into the platform, noting that "Gen Z wouldn't like it if current politicians joined the CJP."[14]
The party's vision on its website is stated by Dipke as: "We are not here to set up another PM CARES, holiday in Davos on the taxpayer's salary slip, or rebrand corruption as 'strategic spending.' We are here to ask, loudly, repeatedly, in writing, where the money went." Further, its mission is described as: "Build a party for the young people who keep getting called lazy, chronically online, and, most recently, cockroaches. That's it. That's the mission. The rest is satire."[28]
The party has released a formal five-point manifesto:[17][10][29]
- No Chief Justice shall be granted a Rajya Sabha seat as a post-retirement reward.[28]
- If any legitimate vote is deleted, the Chief Election Commissioner shall be arrested under the UAPA, as taking away voting rights is "no less than terrorism"[28] (in reference to the 2025 Indian electoral controversy).[30]
- Women shall receive 50% reservation (instead of 33%) without increasing the strength of Parliament; 50% of all Cabinet positions shall be reserved for women.[28]
- All media houses owned by the Adani Group and Reliance Industries ("Ambani") shall have their licences cancelled to make way for independent media. Bank accounts of "Godi media anchors" shall be investigated.[28]
- Any MLA or MP who defects from one party to another shall be barred from contesting elections and holding public office for 20 years.[28]
Additional points suggested by activist Anjali Bhardwaj and accepted by the party include:[29]
- The party shall be answerable under the RTI Act
- It shall not establish a "secret Cockroach CARES Fund" (in reference to the controversial PM CARES Fund)
Membership
The eligibility criteria for joining the CJP are deliberately satirical:[10]
- Unemployed ("by force, by choice, or by principle")
- Lazy ("refers only to physical activity")
- Chronically online ("at least 11 hours daily, including bathroom breaks")
- Ability to rant professionally ("content must be sharp, honest, and point at something that matters")
The party states that religion, caste, and gender are not considered in the membership process.[10]
Reception
The movement has attracted attention and support from several public figures and politicians across different states, while also drawing criticism and legal action.[31]
Supporters
Within days of its launch, two Trinamool Congress MPs, Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad, expressed interest in joining the party and were welcomed by the CJP's social media handle. Moitra stated she wished to join "besides being a card-carrying member of the Anti-National Party".[29]
Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav commented on the movement on social media by posting: "BJP banam CJP" (BJP versus CJP).[32]
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor described the CJP as a "revelation" of youth frustration regarding unemployment, inflation, and the NEET(UG) paper leaks. Tharoor criticised the blocking of CJP's X handle as "disastrous" for democracy, arguing that satirical and humorous outlets are healthy for expressing public dissatisfaction. He noted that the phenomenon signals Gen Z's restlessness and presents an opportunity for the political opposition to channel this discontent into mainstream electoral politics.[33]
Activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan also supported the movement, stating that Chief Justice Kant's comments "reflected deep-rooted prejudice and antipathy towards activists and youth in general."[15] Bhushan urged the CJP to use its platforms to highlight the NEET paper leak, demand accountability from Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and call for a "right to employment" law providing jobs or unemployment allowances for citizens between 21 and 60 years of age.[14] YouTuber Dhruv Rathee also extended support, stating in a YouTube Short that he would soon join the collective.[14] Other prominent figures who expressed support or engagement with the movement include social activist Anjali Bhardwaj.[29]
Several figures from the Indian film and comedy industries also supported or engaged with the movement on social media. Filmmaker Anurag Kashyap, comedian Kunal Kamra, and actresses Konkona Sen Sharma, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Dia Mirza, and Esha Gupta expressed support for the movement, primarily by following and sharing content from the party's official social media handles.[34][14]
On 23 May 2026, environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk expressed support for the Cockroach Janata Party movement, describing himself as an "honorary cockroach" and urging the government to address concerns raised by young people rather than suppressing online dissent.[35] He attended the Cockroach Janata Party's protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on 6 June 2026 and spoke about bringing changes, not just to education but to other areas of governance as well and reiterated bringing justice in education.[36]
On 24 May 2026, social activist Anna Hazare expressed support for young people backing the Cockroach Janata Party, stating that the government should encourage such youth participation rather than ignore it. Hazare said that “youth power is national power” and urged the Centre to listen to the concerns raised by them.[37][38]
On 25 May 2026, Trinamool Congress leaders Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee expressed support for the Cockroach Janata Party. Party spokesperson Derek O'Brien stated that the party was “fighting a good fight” and described the movement as a reflection of youth concerns and online political dissent in India.[39]
Social media users also began posting with the hashtag #MainBhiCockroach (transl. 'I too am a cockroach').[19]
Criticism and skepticism
Critics have dismissed the CJP as online political theatre, pointing to Dipke's past association with the Aam Aadmi Party and arguing that the collective is a carefully packaged digital campaign rather than a spontaneous rebellion.[2] Some analysts question whether its rapid growth reflects genuine grassroots mobilisation or social media amplification, noting that viral movements often struggle to sustain momentum beyond initial online attention.[15][40] Social media users remain divided: some label the CJP "mere meme politics," while others describe it as "the first party in the country which at least understands the pain of the youth."[16]
Conspiracy theories, attacks and threats
In reaction to the rise of the CJP, several conspiracy theories have emerged attacking the movement. Without naming the CJP, union minister Kiren Rijiju stated on X, "I pity those who seek their followers in social media from Pakistan & George Soros gang".[30] Union minister Sukanta Majumdar alleged that 49% of CJP followers are from Pakistan and only 9% are from India.[41] However, a screen recording from Dipke shows that over 94% of the audience is Indian.[42] Independent estimation also shows a predominantly Indian audience.[43] Dipke also claimed that he has received death threats via WhatsApp from anonymous numbers. According to screenshots shared by him, the messages allegedly asked him to shut down the party's social media accounts or join the BJP, while also threatening to kill him in the United States.[44]
In May 2026, a petition was filed in the Supreme Court of India, seeking investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into activities of the party as well as fake advocates and fraudulent law degrees, which was subsequently dismissed.[45][46] In the same month, a criminal public interest litigation petition was filed by a Karnataka BJP worker in the Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court alleging 'anti-national activities' seeking an investigation by the National Investigation Agency and Enforcement Directorate against Dipke, as well as Dipke's extradition to India and suspension of social media accounts of the party, which was also dismissed.[47][48]
In response to the conspiracy theories, Dipke has stated, "To protect their interests, they want to defame, demean and discredit the movement even before it begins, even before it takes form, because they have this paranoia that the Indian Gen Z will get on the streets someday. India's unemployment rate has been at an all-time high. Rather than trying to create enough employment, what are you doing? You are [indulging in] fear-mongering — look, they will do something like Nepal or Bangladesh".[30]
Social media and Internet restrictions
On 21 May 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party's official X account was withheld in India in response to a legal demand.[49] The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) ordered the restriction under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000, acting on inputs from the Intelligence Bureau (IB). The IB cited "national security concerns" and a threat to the "sovereignty of India", arguing that CJP's content was inflammatory and gaining rapid traction among youth. The block command was reportedly issued when the account had around 90,000 followers, and officials indicated that a process to block the party's Instagram account was also underway.[50] Minutes after being taken down, the party came back with a new handle titled, "Cockroach is Back".[21]
On 23 May 2026, the official website was taken down, allegedly by the Indian government.[19] This happened after the website had started an online petition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET 2026 Paper leak.[51] The website came back online on 25 May.[30]
On 24 May 2026, Abhijeet Dipke said that the Cockroach Janata Party's Instagram page and his personal Instagram account had been hacked, temporarily disrupting the party's presence on the platform.[52]
On 26 May 2026, Dipke moved the Delhi High Court challenging the blocking of the party's X account in India. According to reports, the account had been withheld following a direction from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology citing national security concerns. Dipke sought judicial intervention against the action.[53]
Protest
On 6 June, 2026, the Cockroach Janata Party led a protest at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi that called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET 2026 Paper leak.[54] Protestors also expressed concerns regarding the examination administration, transparency and issues related to the Central Board of Secondary Education's (CBSE) On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation system.[55]
Several people who called themselves to be "participants" were arrested during the protest after trying to burn an effigy of Pradhan under the charge of breaching the peace.[56] In addition to the demand for Pradhan's resignation, which the government did not respond to by the end of the day, the party set a seven-day deadline for action.[57]
Furthermore, an increased level of police surveillance was observed during the protests with almost two dozen official photographers from the Delhi Police who were photographing protestors and surveilling the event with body cameras.[58]
