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{{Infobox Indian political party
|name=Cockroach Janta Party| abbreviation      = CJP
| logo              =Cockroach Janta Party logo.svg
| colorcode         = #690A22
| president         = [[Abhijeet Dipke]]
| founder           = [[Abhijeet Dipke]]
| foundation        = {{Start date and age|2026|05|16|df=y}}
| eci               = Not Registered
| ideology          = [[Political satire]]
| slogan            = ''Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed''
| colours           = 
| website           = {{URL|https://cockroachjantaparty.org/}}
| symbol            = [[File:Cockroach_Janta_Party_Election_Symbol.jpg|100x100px]]
|spokesperson={{ubl
|Saurav Das
|Vijeta Dahiya
|Ashutosh Ranka
}}
}}

The '''Cockroach Janta Party''' ('''CJP'''; {{lit|Cockroach People's Party}}) is an Indian [[political satire|satirical political movement]] founded on 16 May 2026 by Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist who formerly worked with the [[Aam Aadmi Party]]. During a [[Supreme Court of India|Supreme Court]] hearing concerning fake professional degrees and institutional criticism, CJP emerged in response to remarks made by the incumbent [[Chief Justice of India]] (CJI) [[Surya Kant]], on 15 May 2026, in which he criticized fraudulent credentials by drawing an analogy that compared certain confrontational activists and unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites of society", an analogy that sparked immediate national outrage and led to the creation of the satirical protest movement.<ref>{{cite news |title='Cockroach Comment For Those With Fake Degrees,' Clarifies CJI Surya Kant |url=https://www.thequint.com/news/breaking-news/cockroach-comment-for-those-with-fake-degrees-clarifies-chief-justice-of-india-surya-kant |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=TheQuint |date=17 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref> The name is a [[wordplay]] parodying the ruling party in India, the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]].<ref name="BBCUnusualMateen26">{{cite news |last=Mateen |first=Zoya |title=Indian politics has acquired an unusual mascot: the cockroach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72y11jjq1o |work=BBC News |date=21 May 2026 |access-date=21 May 2026 |archive-date=21 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260521094129/https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72y11jjq1o |url-status=live }}</ref> Within days of its founding, the movement garnered over 350,000 sign-ups and over 20 million followers on Instagram.<ref>{{cite news |title=Cockroach Janta Party explodes online after top judge's remark; CJP gains 3.7 million followers in 24 hours |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/cockroach-janta-party-top-judges-comment-sparks-viral-satire-protest/ |work=The Tribune |date=20 May 2026 |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref> The movement has also engaged in offline activities, with volunteers participating in protests and clean-up drives dressed in cockroach costumes.<ref name="BBCUnusualMateen26"/> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |last1=Sharma |first1=Saurabh |last2=Das |first2=Krishna N. |date=22 May 2026 |title=India's 'Cockroach' group goes viral, spotlights Gen Z worries |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-cockroach-group-goes-viral-spotlights-gen-z-worries-2026-05-21/ |access-date=25 May 2026 |work=[[Reuters]]}}</ref>

== 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|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 [[Central Bureau of Investigation|CBI]] investigation of lawyers practicing under [[Fake degree|fake degrees]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |date=2026-05-15 |title=Supreme Court flags fake law degrees, says CBI probe may be needed |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/May/15/supreme-court-flags-fake-law-degrees-says-cbi-probe-may-be-needed |access-date=2026-06-06 |website=The New Indian Express |language=en}}</ref> 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,<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2" /> Kant drew parallels to unemployed individuals that turn to [[social media]], [[Mass media in India|media]] and [[public activism]] to attack government institutions, comparing them to "cockroaches" and "parasites". This drew widespread backlash.<ref name="Statesman">{{cite news |last1=Arora |first1=Kamna |title=‘Thousands in black robes under doubt’: CJI raises fake law degree concerns, slams lawyers’ online conduct |url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/thousands-in-black-robes-under-doubt-cji-raises-fake-law-degree-concerns-slams-lawyers-online-conduct-1503594525.html |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=The Statesman |date=16 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name="ANtnie" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sappal |first1=Gurdeep |title=The Chief Justice Called Them Cockroaches. History Knows Where That Language Leads. |url=https://thewire.in/law/the-chief-justice-called-them-cockroaches-history-knows-where-that-language-leads |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=The Wire |language=en}}</ref>

{{quote|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.<ref name="ANtnie">{{cite news |last1=Neelakantan |first1=Anand |title=Travails of a Cockroach-infested System |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2026/May/31/travails-of-a-cockroach-infested-system |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=The New Indian Express |date=31 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref>}}

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.<ref name="boom">{{cite web |title=The Cockroach Janta Party: How A CJI Comment Became A Movement |url=https://www.boomlive.in/explainers/the-cockroach-janta-party-how-a-cji-comment-became-a-movement-31586 |website=BOOM Fact Check |date=18 May 2026 |access-date=19 May 2026 |archive-date=19 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519075638/https://www.boomlive.in/explainers/the-cockroach-janta-party-how-a-cji-comment-became-a-movement-31586 |url-status=live |last=Rizwan|first=Hera}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=After Outrage over His ‘Cockroaches’ ‘Parasites’ Remarks, CJI Surya Kant Says Media 'Misquoted' Him |url=https://thewire.in/rights/offends-spirit-of-democracy-outrage-over-cji-surya-kants-cockroaches-parasites-remarks |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=The Wire |date=16 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref><ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Kishor |first1=Udayan |title='Pained' by how media misquoted my observation: CJI Surya Kant issues clarification on 'parasite' remark |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/india/2026/May/16/was-talking-about-those-entering-bar-through-fake-bogus-degrees-cji-on-cockroaches-remark |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=The New Indian Express |date=16 May 2026 |language=en}}</ref> Despite the clarification, the controversial "cockroach" label stuck with youth.<ref>{{cite news |title='Cockroach' movement gives voice to India's angry youth |url=https://www.dw.com/en/cockroach-movement-gives-voice-to-indias-angry-youth/a-77391629 |access-date=6 June 2026 |work=dw.com |language=en}}</ref> 

===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.<ref name="bbc">{{cite web |date=20 May 2026 |title=India has a new political superstar - a cockroach |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz72y11jjq1o |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=BBC News}}</ref> 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.<ref name="it_celebs" />

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),<ref name="aljazeera">{{cite news |date=20 May 2026 |title=Cockroach Janata Party: Top Indian judge's comment sparks satire, protest |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/5/20/cockroach-janata-party-top-indian-judges-comment-sparks-satire-protest |work=[[Al Jazeera]] |access-date=20 May 2026 |archive-date=20 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260520061835/https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/5/20/cockroach-janata-party-top-indian-judges-comment-sparks-satire-protest |url-status=live |last=Sharma|first=Yashraj}}</ref> as a "platform for all the 'cockroaches' out there" listing the eligibility criteria as being unemployed, lazy, chronically online, and able to rant professionally.<ref name="nationalherald">{{cite web |title=Laugh if you like but cockroaches uniting, joining 'Cockroach Janta Party' in droves |url=https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/laugh-if-you-want-but-cockroaches-uniting-joining-cockroach-janata-party-in-droves |website=National Herald |date=18 May 2026 |access-date=19 May 2026 |last=Prabal |first=A.J. |archive-date=19 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519111120/https://www.nationalheraldindia.com/national/laugh-if-you-want-but-cockroaches-uniting-joining-cockroach-janata-party-in-droves |url-status=live }}</ref> The party's website went live on 16 May under the tagline "Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed".<ref name="telegraph">{{cite web |first=Debayan |last=Dutta |title=CJI may clarify but Cockroach Janta Party is ready for dissent, one laugh at a time |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cji-surya-kant-may-clarify-but-cockroach-janata-party-is-ready-for-dissent-one-laugh-at-a-time/cid/2161212 |website=The Telegraph India |date=18 May 2026 |access-date=19 May 2026 |archive-date=19 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519044932/https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/cji-surya-kant-may-clarify-but-cockroach-janata-party-is-ready-for-dissent-one-laugh-at-a-time/cid/2161212 |url-status=live }}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=21 May 2026 |title=Parody Cockroach Janta political party's rise reflects youth anger in India |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/cockroach-janta-party-youth-anger-frustration-protest-india |access-date=24 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |agency=[[Associated Press]]}}</ref>

Dipke used [[artificial intelligence]] (AI) tools like [[Claude (language model)|Claude]] and [[ChatGPT]] to design the website and the manifesto,<ref name="aljazeera" /> as well as [[AI art|AI-generated images]] that were used to promote the movement.<ref name="BBCWebsite26" /> 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.<ref name="it_celebs">{{cite web |last=Kateel |first=Avinash |date=21 May 2026 |title=Cockroach party beats BJP on the 'gram with 10 million followers in 5 days |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cockroach-janta-party-10-million-followers-on-instagram-bjp-followers-cji-remarks-genz-youth-2914805-2026-05-21 |website=India Today |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref> {{As of|2026|5|22|df=yes|post=,}} the account had over 20 million followers.<ref name="et_realwork">{{cite news |title='Asli kaam ka waqt aagya': Cockroach Janta Party launches new campaign after crossing BJP's Instagram follower count, hits 20 million |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/new-updates/asli-kaam-ka-waqt-aagya-cockroach-janta-party-launches-new-campaign-after-crossing-bjps-instagram-follower-count-hits-20-million/articleshow/131258883.cms |work=The Economic Times |date=22 May 2026 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> The movement also crossed 200,000 followers on X,<ref name="BBCUnusualMateen26"/> and claims to have registered over 350,000 members through online forms.<ref name="aljazeera" /> Alongside its online presence, the movement organizes offline protests and community service activities across various states.<ref name="aljazeera" /><ref name=":0" />

=== Founder ===
'''Abhijeet Dipke''' was born on 29 September 1995 in [[Aurangabad]], Maharashtra.<ref name="lokmat">{{cite web |date=20 May 2026 |title=Despite his viral success, Abhijeet's parents worry about his entry into politics |url=https://www.lokmattimes.com/aurangabad/despite-his-viral-success-abhijeets-parents-worry-about-his-entry-into-politics/ |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=Lokmat Times}}</ref><ref name="tribune">{{cite web |date=20 May 2026 |title=Abhijeet Dipke — The 30-year-old behind Cockroach Janta Party's viral rise |url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/trending/abhijeet-dipke-the-30-yr-old-behind-cockroach-janta-partys-viral-rise/ |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=The Tribune}}</ref> Dipke earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism in [[Pune]].<ref name="ndtv">{{cite web |date=21 May 2026 |title=Who Is Abhijeet Dipke, Founder Of Online Sensation Cockroach Janta Party |url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-who-is-abhijeet-dipke-founder-of-online-sensation-cockroach-janta-party-11531319 |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=NDTV}}</ref><ref name="tribune" /> He then moved to the [[United States]] and completed a Master of Science in Public Relations from [[Boston University]].<ref name="etvbharat">{{cite web |date=20 May 2026 |title=Explained: Who Is Abhijeet Dipke, The Man Behind India's Most Unexpectedly Viral Political Satire? |url=https://www.etvbharat.com/en/lifestyle/abhijeet-dipke-started-cockroach-janata-party-cjp-enn26052101475 |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=ETV Bharat}}</ref>

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.<ref name="timesnow">{{cite web |date=20 May 2026 |title=Who Is Abhijeet Dipke: कोण आहेत 'कॉक्रोच जनता पार्टी'चे संस्थापक? |url=https://marathi.timesnownews.com/news/who-is-abhijeet-dipke-man-behind-cockroach-janta-party-overpassing-bjp-on-instagram-gen-z-digital-movement-article-154366512 |access-date=22 May 2026 |website=Times Now Marathi}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2026-06-03 |title='New generation of leaders': Cockroach Janta Party appoints three spokespersons |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/new-generation-of-leaders-cockroach-janta-party-appoints-three-spokespersons/articleshow/131479941.cms |access-date=2026-06-06 |work=The Times of India |issn=0971-8257}}</ref>

== Ideology ==

The CJP describes itself as "a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth: [[Secularism in India|Secular]], [[Socialism in India|Socialist]], [[Democracy in India|Democratic]], and Lazy."<ref name="boom"/> 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."<ref name="it_celebs"/> 

The party's vision on its website is stated by Dipke as: "We are not here to set up another [[PM CARES Fund|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."<ref name="cjp_manifesto">{{Cite web |title=CJP |url=https://cockroachjantaparty.org/#manifesto |access-date=21 May 2026 |archive-date=21 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260521185425/https://cockroachjantaparty.org/#manifesto |url-status=live }}</ref>

The party has released a formal five-point manifesto:<ref name="telegraph"/><ref name="boom"/><ref name="indiatoday">{{cite web |first=Sushim |last=Mukul |title=Cockroach Janta Party debuts, admits two TMC MPs within 2 days |url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cockroach-janta-party-40000-members-mahua-moitra-kirti-azad-gen-z-convention-2913347-2026-05-18 |website=India Today |date=18 May 2026 |access-date=19 May 2026 |archive-date=19 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260519032114/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/cockroach-janta-party-40000-members-mahua-moitra-kirti-azad-gen-z-convention-2913347-2026-05-18 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* No Chief Justice shall be granted a Rajya Sabha seat as a post-retirement reward.<ref name="cjp_manifesto" />
* If any legitimate vote is deleted, the [[Chief Election Commissioner of India|Chief Election Commissioner]] shall be arrested under the [[Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967|UAPA]], as taking away voting rights is "no less than terrorism"<ref name="cjp_manifesto" /> (in reference to the [[2025 Indian electoral controversy]]).<ref name="FL">{{Cite web |first=Soni |last=Mishra |date=30 May 2026 |title=A judge's jibe, a 'parody party', and a generation's anger |url=https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/cockroach-janta-party-gen-z-political-mobilisation-india/article71041637.ece |website=[[Frontline (magazine)|Frontline]]}}</ref>
* Women shall receive 50% reservation ([[One Hundred and Sixth Amendment of the Constitution of India|instead of 33%]]) without increasing the strength of Parliament; 50% of all Cabinet positions shall be reserved for women.<ref name="cjp_manifesto" />
* 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.<ref name="cjp_manifesto" />
* [[Party switching|Any MLA or MP who defects from one party to another]] shall be barred from contesting elections and holding public office for 20 years.<ref name="cjp_manifesto" />

Additional points suggested by activist Anjali Bhardwaj and accepted by the party include:<ref name="indiatoday"/>
* The party shall be answerable under the [[Right to Information Act, 2005|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:<ref name="boom"/>

* Unemployed ("by force, by choice, or by principle")
* Lazy ("refers only to physical activity")
* [[Extremely online|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 system in India|caste]], and gender are not considered in the membership process.<ref name="boom"/>

== Reception ==

The movement has attracted attention and support from several public figures and politicians across different states, while also drawing criticism and legal action.<ref name="APNews">{{cite web |first=Sheikh |last=Saaliq |date=21 May 2026 |title=A parody 'cockroach' party in India becomes major outlet for youth anger and protest |url=https://apnews.com/article/india-cockroach-janta-party-9e8be82b182e32feda4fee42d52de75b |access-date=21 May 2026 |website=[[Associated Press]] |language=en |archive-date=22 May 2026 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260522091132/https://apnews.com/article/india-cockroach-janta-party-9e8be82b182e32feda4fee42d52de75b |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== 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".<ref name="indiatoday" />

[[Samajwadi Party]] president [[Akhilesh Yadav]] commented on the movement on social media by posting: "BJP banam CJP" (BJP versus CJP).<ref name="ht_akhilesh">{{cite web |first=Majid |last=Alam |title=BJP vs CJP: Akhilesh takes jibe as Cockroach Janta Party takes internet by storm |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/bjp-vs-cjp-akhilesh-takes-jibe-as-cockroach-janta-party-takes-internet-by-storm-101779288974991.html |website=Hindustan Times |date=19 May 2026 |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref>

[[Indian National Congress|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.<ref name="tharoor_ie">{{cite news |last=Manoj |first=C. G. |title=Shashi Tharoor: 'Cockroach Janta Party reveals people frustrated with government… has shown Opposition there is an opportunity waiting to be seized' |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/shashi-tharoor-cockroach-janata-party-reveals-people-frustrated-with-government-has-shown-opposition-there-is-an-opportunity-waiting-to-be-seized-10701728/ |work=The Indian Express |date=22 May 2026 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref>

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."<ref name="aljazeera"/> 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.<ref name="it_celebs"/> YouTuber [[Dhruv Rathee]] also extended support, stating in a YouTube Short that he would soon join the collective.<ref name="it_celebs"/> Other prominent figures who expressed support or engagement with the movement include social activist [[Anjali Bhardwaj]].<ref name="indiatoday"/>

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.<ref name="midday_celebs">{{cite web |title=Cockroach Janata Party: Bollywood celebrities join the viral satirical political outfit |url=https://www.mid-day.com/entertainment/bollywood-news/article/cockroach-janata-party-bollywood-celebrities-join-the-viral-satirical-political-outfit-23631405 |website=Mid-day |date=20 May 2026 |access-date=21 May 2026}}</ref><ref name="it_celebs"/>

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.<ref>{{Cite news |title=Sonam Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach', backs CJP, urges Centre to hear youth |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/amp/story/india/2026/May/23/sonam-wangchuk-calls-himself-honorary-cockroach-backs-cjp-urges-centre-to-hear-youth
 |work=The New Indian Express |date=23 May 2026 |access-date=23 May 2026}}</ref> On 2 June 2026, he announced plans to participate in the Cockroach Janata Party's proposed protest at [[Jantar Mantar]] in [[New Delhi]] on 6 June 2026.<ref>{{cite news |title=Sonam Wangchuk to join CJP protest seeking Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation on June 6 |work=The Times of India |date=2 June 2026 |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/sonam-wangchuk-to-join-cjp-protest-seeking-dharmendra-pradhans-resignation-on-june-6/articleshow/131466041.cms}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news
|title=Govt must encourage youth supporting Cockroach Janta Party: Anna Hazare
|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/pune/govt-must-encourage-youth-supporting-cockroach-janta-party-anna-hazare/articleshow/131296256.cms
|work=The Times of India
|date=24 May 2026
|access-date=25 May 2026
}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news
|title='Youth power should not be ignored': Anna Hazare backs Cockroach Janta Party, says country should encourage such youth
|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/anna-hazare-cockroach-janta-party-country-youth-encourage-10706506/
|work=The Indian Express
|date=24 May 2026
|access-date=25 May 2026
}}</ref>

On 25 May 2026, [[Trinamool Congress]] leaders [[Mamata Banerjee]] and [[Abhishek Banerjee (politician)|Abhishek Banerjee]] expressed support for the Cockroach Janata Party. Party spokesperson [[Derek O'Brien (politician)|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.<ref>{{Cite news
|title=Fighting good fight: Mamata, Abhishek Banerjee express full support for CJP, Derek O'Brien says
|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/india/fighting-good-fight-mamata-abhishek-banerjee-express-full-support-for-cockroach-janta-party-derek-obrien-says/cid/2162301
|work=The Telegraph
|date=25 May 2026
|access-date=25 May 2026
}}</ref>

Social media users also began posting with the [[hashtag]] #MainBhiCockroach ({{Translation|'I too am a cockroach'}}).<ref name="BBCWebsite26" />

=== 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.<ref name="BBCUnusualMateen26"/> 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.<ref name="aljazeera"/><ref>{{Cite news |date=21 May 2026 |title=Parody Cockroach Janta political party's rise reflects youth anger in India |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/cockroach-janta-party-youth-anger-frustration-protest-india |access-date=21 May 2026 |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077}}</ref> 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."<ref name="nationalherald"/>

==== Conspiracy theories, attacks and threats ====
In reaction to the rise of the CJP, several [[Conspiracy theory|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 conspiracy theories|George Soros]] gang".<ref name="FL" /> Union minister [[Sukanta Majumdar]] alleged that 49% of CJP followers are from Pakistan and only 9% are from India.<ref>{{Cite news |date=23 May 2026 |title=BJP's Sukanta Majumdar claims 49% Cockroach Janta Party followers from Pakistan after founder says govt is 'scared of cockroaches' |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/sukanta-majumdar-claims-49-per-cent-cockroach-janta-party-followers-from-pakistan-after-founder-says-govt-is-scared-of-cockroaches/cid/2162065 |access-date=25 May 2026 |work=Telegraph India |agency=PTI}}</ref> However, a screen recording from Dipke shows that over 94% of the audience is Indian.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Are CJP's 'cockroaches' from Pakistan? Founder Abhijeet Dipke shares followers’ demographics to deny claims |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/are-cjps-cockroaches-from-pakistan-founder-abhijeet-dipke-shares-followers-demographics-to-deny-claims-4014389 |access-date=31 May 2026 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> Independent estimation also shows a predominantly Indian audience.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rizwan |first=Hera |date=26 May 2026 |title=Claims Used To Discredit Cockroach Janta Party Don’t Hold Up |url=https://www.decodeinternet.in/decode/the-claims-used-to-discredit-cockroach-janta-party-dont-hold-up-31623 |access-date=31 May 2026 |website=www.decodeinternet.in |language=en}}</ref> 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]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Kaur |first=Amarjot |date=23 May 2026 |title=I don't think the ruling party has the stomach for sarcasm, says Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/crackdown-on-cockroach-janta-party-access-to-all-accounts-lost-says-founder-abhijeet-dipke/article71014074.ece |access-date=24 May 2026 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajagopal |first=Krishnadas |date=2026-05-24 |title=Plea in Supreme Court to probe Cockroach Janta Party ‘activities’, fake law degrees |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/plea-in-supreme-court-to-probe-cockroach-janta-party-activities-fake-law-degrees/article71018380.ece |access-date=2026-06-05 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rajagopal |first=Krishnadas |date=2026-05-25 |title=Don’t take it so sentimentally, CJI tells lawyer complaining of online ‘distortion’ of the ‘cockroach’ remark |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/dont-take-it-so-sentimentally-cji-tells-lawyer-who-complained-about-activities-of-cockroach-janta-party-fake-law-degrees/article71019997.ece |access-date=2026-06-05 |work=The Hindu |language=en-IN |issn=0971-751X}}</ref> In the same month, a criminal [[Public interest litigation in India|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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-06-03 |title=Allahabad HC bins PIL seeking probe into 'anti-national activities' of Cockroach Janta Party |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/lucknow-news/allahabad-hc-bins-pil-seeking-probe-into-anti-national-activities-of-cockroach-janta-party-101780425101520.html |access-date=2026-06-05 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=NETWORK |first=LIVELAW NEWS |date=2 June 2026 |title=Approach Karnataka HC: Allahabad HC Refuses To Entertain BJP Worker's PIL Seeking Probe Against 'Cockroach Janta Party' |url=https://www.livelaw.in/high-court/allahabad-high-court/allahabad-hc-bjp-worker-pil-probe-cockroach-janta-party-abhijit-dipke-536574 |access-date=2 June 2026 |website=www.livelaw.in |language=en}}</ref>

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. [[Unemployment in India|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] [[Fearmongering|fear-mongering]] — look, they will do something like [[2025 Nepalese Gen Z protests|Nepal]] or [[July Uprising|Bangladesh]]".<ref name="FL" />

== 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.<ref name="sharma">{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Nikita |date=21 May 2026 |title=X withholds Cockroach Janata Party account in India, hours after it overtook BJP on Insta |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-x-twitter-account-withheld-in-india-abhijeet-dipke-shares-photo-101779350031188.html |access-date=21 May 2026 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> 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 (India)|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.<ref name="express_block">{{cite news |last=Manoj |first=C. G. |title=In 'Cockroach Janta Party' handle, Government sees national security threat, asks X to block |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/political-pulse/in-cockroach-janta-party-handle-government-sees-a-national-security-threat-asks-x-to-block-10702041/ |work=The Indian Express |date=22 May 2026 |access-date=22 May 2026}}</ref> Minutes after being taken down, the party came back with a new handle titled, "Cockroach is Back".<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |last1=Mogul |first1=Rhea |last2=Mitra |first2=Esha |date=22 May 2026 |title=India's Gen Z have flipped the lowly cockroach into a symbol of defiance |url=https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/22/india/india-cockroach-janta-party-gen-z-intl-hnk |access-date=24 May 2026 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref>

On 23 May 2026, the official website was taken down, allegedly by the Indian government.<ref name="BBCWebsite26">{{Cite web |last1=Philips |first1=Jacob |last2=Moshiri |first2=Azadeh |date=23 May 2026 |title=India's Cockroach Janta Party claims website has been blocked |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cddpq71866do |access-date=24 May 2026 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref> This happened after the website had started an online petition demanding the resignation of Education Minister [[Dharmendra Pradhan]] following the [[NEET 2026 Paper leak]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mudgal |first=Aryan |date=23 May 2026 |title=Now, Cockroach Janta Party website taken down; founder slams 'dictatorial behaviour' |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/now-cockroach-janta-party-cjp-website-taken-down-founder-abhijeet-dipke-slams-dictatorial-behaviour-bjp-government-101779528479485.html |access-date=23 May 2026 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref> The website came back online on 25 May.<ref name="FL" />

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.<ref>{{Cite news
|title=Founder alleges crackdown on 'Cockroach Janta Party': X handles withheld, Instagram accounts hacked
|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/founder-crackdown-cockroach-janta-party-x-handles-withheld-instagram-accounts-hacked-10703851/
|work=The Indian Express
|date=24 May 2026
|access-date=26 May 2026
}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite news
|title=Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke moves Delhi High Court against X account blocking
|url=https://m.economictimes.com/news/india/cockroach-janta-party-founder-abhijeet-dipke-moves-delhi-high-court-against-x-account-blocking/articleshow/131311593.cms
|work=The Economic Times
|date=26 May 2026
|access-date=26 May 2026
}}</ref> 

== Protest ==
{{Main|2026 Cockroach Janta Party 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]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sharma |first=Yashraj |date=6 June 2026 |title=‘I’m a cockroach’: Gen Z protest movement lands in Indian capital |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2026/6/6/im-a-cockroach-gen-z-protest-movement-lands-in-indian-capital |access-date=2026-06-06 |website=Al Jazeera |language=en}}</ref> Protestors expressed concerns regarding the examination administration, transparency and issues related to the [[Central Board of Secondary Education]]'s (CBSE) [[2026 CBSE On-Screen Marking controversy|On-Screen Marking (OSM)]] evaluation system.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-06-05 |title=Cockroach Janta Party Protest Live Updates: Activists raising ‘Jai Shri Ram’ slogan detained by Delhi Police during protest |url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cockroach-janata-party-protest-live-updates-demonstration-at-jantar-mantar-tomorrow-demand-for-dharmendra-pradhans-resignation-10726103/ |access-date=2026-06-06 |website=The Indian Express |language=en}}</ref>

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.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2026-06-06 |title=Three CJP 'members' detained for trying to burn Dharmendra Pradhan's effigy in Gorakhpur |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/india/delhi/three-cjp-members-detained-for-trying-to-burn-dharmendra-pradhans-effigy-in-gorakhpur-4029847 |access-date=2026-06-06 |website=Deccan Herald |language=en}}</ref> 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.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2026-06-06 |title=CJP protest in Delhi LIVE: Just a trailer, says Dipke as Jantar Mantar protest ends, heads home to meet parents |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cockroach-janta-party-cjp-protest-live-updates-founder-abhijeet-dipke-news-delhi-jantar-mantar-police-sonam-wangchuk-101780706319590.html |access-date=2026-06-06 |website=Hindustan Times |language=en}}</ref>


== See also ==
* [[List of frivolous political parties]]
* [[2026 NEET controversy]]
 
== References ==
{{reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://cockroachjantaparty.org/ Official website]

{{Subject bar |portal1=India |portal2=Politics |portal3=Comedy}}

[[Category:2026 establishments in India]]
[[Category:May 2026 in India]]
[[Category:Political movements in India]]
[[Category:Joke political parties]]
[[Category:Indian political satire]]
[[Category:Indian youth culture]]
[[Category:Youth organisations based in India]]
[[Category:Internet memes introduced in 2026]]
[[Category:Political parties established in 2026]]
[[Category:Political youth organizations]]
[[Category:Cockroaches]]
[[Category:Insects in culture]]