‘Cockroach Party’ trend sweeps through India’s political space

A satirical digital movement known as the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has quickly gone viral across India, turning a controversial courtroom remark into a broader symbol of youth frustration and political dissatisfaction.

The trend began after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant allegedly likened unemployed young people entering journalism and activism to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a hearing. Although he later clarified that his comments were directed at individuals holding “fake” or “invalid” qualifications, the statement had already triggered strong reactions online.

What followed was a surge of social media activity, with users reclaiming the label through the hashtag #MainBhiCockroach (“I too am a cockroach”), transforming criticism into satire and collective expression.

Despite its name, the Cockroach Janta Party is not an official political organisation. Instead, it functions as an online satire-driven community. Its tongue-in-cheek “membership criteria” include being unemployed, perpetually online, and capable of “professional-level ranting.”

The initiative was started by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and Boston University student, who initially created it as a humorous concept. However, it quickly gained traction, attracting tens of thousands of supporters within days.

The movement has also received attention from opposition voices such as Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad and Prashant Bhushan, further boosting its visibility in political circles.

Beyond the digital space, participants have reportedly taken part in protests and public gatherings dressed in cockroach costumes, adding a visual element to the satire.

On social media, the movement has seen remarkable growth. Its Instagram account surpassed 10 million followers, overtaking the official page of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has around 8.7 million followers. Meanwhile, its X (formerly Twitter) account, which had crossed 200,000 followers, is currently inaccessible in India, displaying a notice that it was withheld following a legal request.

Supporters view the campaign as a creative and bold outlet for young people who feel disconnected from mainstream politics. Critics, however, argue that it reflects a more organised form of digital opposition messaging.

The phenomenon has reignited debate around youth participation in India’s political landscape. With nearly half of the country’s 1.4 billion population under the age of 30, engagement levels remain relatively low. A recent survey cited by the BBC found that 29% of young Indians avoid politics entirely, while only 11% are affiliated with a political party.

Many analysts believe the rise of the CJP highlights deeper concerns among young people, including unemployment, economic challenges and a lack of representation in traditional political systems.