How right-wing groups are trying to crush Cockroach Janta Party

A satire movement that began online has now spilled onto the streets and triggered a sharp political counter-campaign. In Tamil Nadu, the Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) has started using the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) imagery in protests, while right-wing groups have launched rival campaigns and pushed for social media crackdowns.

The controversy began during a recent Supreme Court hearing, when Chief Justice of India Surya Kant compared certain unemployed youth and online activists to “cockroaches” and “parasites” while discussing fake degrees and professional standards. Though he later clarified that the remarks referred to people with fraudulent qualifications, clips from the hearing quickly went viral.

Also read: ‘We want jobs, not insults’: Madurai youth stage ‘Cockroach Rally’

Soon after, Maharashtra-based digital strategist and Boston University student Abhijeet Dipke launched the “Cockroach Janta Party” or CJP. Through memes, parody posters, and anti-establishment messaging, the movement tapped into frustration around unemployment, inflation, the NEET paper leak, and exam irregularities.

Online surge

Within days, the campaign crossed a million followers on Instagram and projected itself as a voice for frustrated young Indians. Its rapid spread also triggered a political response.

Several rival pages appeared online, including Hit Janta Party, Dog Janta Party, and Dog Party of India, apparently aimed at countering or diluting the movement’s visibility. BJP leaders also questioned the campaign’s intent and influence.

Also read: ‘Don’t take it so sentimentally’: SC on plea against Cockroach Janta Party

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed the phenomenon, saying, “We are doing serious jobs, serving the country. It is not proper to react to everything.”

Kerala BJP president Rajeev Chandrasekhar also criticised the campaign and warned against giving it undue attention.

Legal pressure

The controversy intensified further on May 21, when the Cockroach Janta Party’s X account was withheld in India following legal demands.

Dipke later alleged that multiple linked accounts were hacked, suspended, or taken down. He also claimed that he received death threats on WhatsApp. Backup accounts were subsequently launched as supporters continued the campaign online.

Also read: Who’s the ‘real’ Cockroach? Youth Congress jumps on the bandwagon

The movement’s supporters argue that the campaign is centred around youth concerns such as unemployment, rising prices, and examination controversies, while critics accuse it of spreading politically motivated narratives online.

Street protests

The campaign has now moved beyond social media and onto the streets.

In Tamil Nadu, rallies inspired by the Cockroach Janta Party have been held in cities including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Madurai. Protesters identifying themselves as “cockroaches” marched against unemployment, fuel price hikes, and exam-related issues.

Several demonstrations were backed by the DYFI. Protesters carried placards demanding jobs and accusing authorities of ignoring youth concerns.

What began as an internet satire has now evolved into a larger political and social debate involving online dissent, youth frustration, free speech, and attempts by political actors to contain the movement.

The larger question now is whether the Cockroach Janta Party will remain an online protest phenomenon — or evolve into something with deeper political consequences in the months ahead.

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