CJP’s Tamil call for Bengaluru protest sparks backlash, forces clarification

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), frequently referred to as a satirical outfit, itself became a subject of satire, albeit through online trolling over a now-deleted social media post by one of its spokespersons who urged “Tamil friends” to take part in the outfit’s scheduled protest in Bengaluru on Sunday (June 13). The post on X was made by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das.

Call to Tamil supporters

The post attracted severe social media backlash with netizens questioning the logic and intention behind urging Tamil people in Bengaluru, instead of Kannada people, to take part in the protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak and CBSE-OSM row.

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Das shared a video along with the post wherein he made the invitation in Tamil. “Greetings to my fellow Tamils. The next protest is going to be at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday, June 14, at 4 pm. This protest is against a minister who, despite multiple leaks in government examinations, has allowed the process to continue under his watch,” he said, as reported by the Indian Express.

Reference to NEET protests

“In Tamil Nadu, students have suffered because of issues surrounding NEET. You have participated in many peaceful protests and helped take our demands to the government. In the future, we will come to both Tamil Nadu and Kerala, but right now your support is very important. Please come to Bengaluru,” he added.

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The post quickly went viral. Netizens questioned Das’ general knowledge, while some advised him to search the internet to know what language people speak in Karnataka.

Questions over language appeal

“Kannada people live in Bangalore in greater numbers than Tamils. Why didn’t you address Kannada people, or do you not know what the people of Karnataka are called?” wrote one user.

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“The least you can do is search what language people speak in Karnataka and Bengaluru. LEAST!” another user stated.

Calling the invitation “crazy”, one user commented, “Calling Tamil people to protest in Bangalore. Will you call Kannadigas in Chennai? With such a mentality, the Cockroach Party will be crushed without any mercy. Have some basic sense.”

Clarification after backlash

Following the backlash, Das, in an X post, clarified that the video invitation was specifically meant for “Tamil friends” living in Bengaluru and neighbouring districts of Karnataka, adding that many people from Tamil Nadu would also be joining the protest.

“Since some expert commentators have suddenly discovered a passion for giving GK lessons, let me clarify: this video was specifically addressed to Tamil friends living in Bengaluru and neighbouring districts and states, inviting them to join Sunday’s peaceful protest. Many people from Tamil Nadu will also be joining us, so this was also a thank-you message for the effort they are putting in,” stated Das.

Role of local supporters

“The protest has been organised with the help of Kannadiga friends and members of the local community, many of whom will also be speaking from the stage. Their support has been invaluable. Since the entire video is in Tamil, I understand how an incorrect impression may have been created. But friends from Bengaluru, neighbouring districts, and even neighbouring states will all be joining us tomorrow in a shared and peaceful call for accountability and a better future,” he added.