Supporters of Cockroach Peoples Party stage protest in New Delhi

Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical social media movement in India, gathered in New Delhi on Saturday to protest against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The party, which has attracted millions of online followers and widespread support among young Indians, was inspired by comments made by Chief Justice Surya Kant last month.

Kant had likened young people who criticised the government to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing. However, CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke used the insult as inspiration for his parody political party. Within a week of launching its website and social media accounts, CJP’s Instagram page had amassed over 22 million followers.

The protesters, who wore cockroach masks, chanted slogans including “Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!” Organisers encouraged participants to bring the national flag and a book, which symbolised the right to education and equal opportunity for all. The group’s rise echoes similar trends across South Asia, where youth movements born out of social media have been crucial in antigovernment protests.

Indian police tightened security at the airport and the Jantar Mantar protest site ahead of the event, setting up steel barricades at key points. CJP supporters described themselves as “unemployed” and “perpetually online,” reflecting their frustration with limited job opportunities and growing disillusionment with traditional politics.

The party’s rapid rise has sparked debate among Modi’s supporters, who dismiss it as a social media gimmick that may not translate into political street mobilisation. The CJP’s success on social media is seen by some as fleeting, but the group’s online presence continues to grow.

Source: Al Jazeera