A satirical political outfit calling itself the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has gone viral on social media after remarks allegedly made by Chief Justice Surya Kant sparked outrage online. Although the Chief Justice later clarified his statement and said it had been misquoted, the digital movement launched only days ago has already attracted millions of followers and supporters across social media platforms.
The controversy began after reports circulated that the Chief Justice compared unemployed youth to “cockroaches” during a court hearing on May 15. According to the reports, he remarked that some unemployed youngsters become journalists, RTI activists, or social media users and “start attacking everyone.” The comments quickly triggered criticism online, especially among students and young internet users.
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However, the Chief Justice later clarified that his remarks had been taken out of context. He stated that he was referring specifically to people entering professions using fake or bogus degrees and insisted that reports suggesting he insulted unemployed youth were “totally baseless.”
Amid the backlash, former AAP social media worker Abhijeet Dipke launched the Cockroach Janta Party as a form of online protest mixed with political satire. The party describes itself as “secular, socialist, democratic, lazy” and has managed to capture the attention of Gen-Z users across India.
The party’s social media presence exploded after several prominent political figures interacted with it online. Trinamool Congress MP Kirti Azad jokingly asked on X if he could join the party and questioned the eligibility criteria. The CJP responded humorously, saying that “winning the 1983 World Cup is a good enough qualification.” Fellow TMC MP Mahua Moitra also expressed interest in joining, reposting a party post and calling herself a “card-carrying member of the Anti-National Party.” The CJP welcomed her by saying she was “the fighter democracy needs.”
Cockroach Janta Party manifesto
The party’s five-point manifesto has also become a major talking point online. Among its demands are a ban on post-retirement Rajya Sabha seats for Chief Justices, 50 per cent reservation for women in Parliament without increasing the number of seats, and a 20-year election ban on MLAs and MPs who defect from one party to another.
The group has also targeted issues affecting students. It demanded that the Central Board of Secondary Education scrap rechecking fees, calling the charges “blatant corruption,” and expressed support for students caught in the ongoing NEET exam controversy.
Adding to its internet appeal, the party announced plans for a virtual Gen-Z convention where young people can participate in organising discussions and campaigns. Membership requirements listed by the party include being “unemployed, lazy, chronically online” and having the “ability to rant professionally.”
While it remains unclear whether the Cockroach Janta Party will ever formally register as a political organisation, the satirical movement has already tapped into growing frustration among India’s youth and turned internet humour into a form of political rebellion.
