Although the Cockroach Janta Party started out as a joke on social media, its ascent has shown how little India’s political elite comprehends its youth.
“What if all cockroaches come together?” was the first question Abhijeet Dipke posted on X on May 16. The question was posed in jest, and later that day, Dipke formed the Cockroach Janta Party, a new platform for all the “cockroaches out there,” in reaction to some of the comments he received.
Dipke’s message included a link for the “cockroaches” to join the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a political parody that was mock-serious for effect. It also outlined a few requirements that those who wanted to join the critter party had to meet: they had to be unemployed, lazy, constantly online, and capable of ranting in a professional manner.
The CJP started out as a joke but quickly gained popularity online thanks to the exceptional amount of participation from young people, particularly Gen Z. The 30-year-old Dipke, its “founding president,” is presently studying for a master’s degree in public relations at Boston University in the United States.
Up until now, Dipke was an unidentified entity. But throughout his three years with the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media department—which ended in 2023 when he opted to concentrate on his academic goals and moved for the US—he demonstrated his love of internet media and his grasp of political messaging.
The young man from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, is now well-known. His light-hearted criticism of the current situation through the CJP, which he claims was meant to be a “parody party,” has quickly gained popularity online and is having an impact in the real world.
In response to remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, Dipke founded the CJP. The CJI stated, “There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?” in response to a lawyer’s plea asking the Delhi High Court for guidance on the designation of senior counsel. Some young people, like cockroaches, are unemployed and have no place in the workforce. Some of them end up in the media, some on social media, some as RTI activists, some as other activists, and some of them start criticising everyone.
The CJI clarified on May 16 that some members of the media had misquoted his oral remarks made during the hearing of a pointless case.
“Those who had used phoney degrees to enter professions like the Bar were the ones I had expressly condemned. He claimed that similar individuals are like parasites since they have infiltrated the media, social media, and other honourable professions.
“It is completely baseless to suggest that I criticised the youth of our nation,” Kant continued. In addition to being proud of our current and future people resources, I am inspired by all Indian kids. I see Indian young as the cornerstones of a developed India, and it is not hyperbole to state that they hold me in high regard and respect.
However, Dipke’s cockroach campaign had already gained widespread attention by that point. The platform is referred to as the “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed” on the CJP website. It claims to have no corporate donors, which is a clear jab at the established parties. Additionally, there is a manifesto with five demands that address topics including the judiciary’s post-retirement perks, the Election Commission’s alleged “vote chori,” media independence, the need for more women in politics and governance, and MPs and MLAs switching parties.
A petition to remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the NEET exam paper leak can be found on the party’s website. Nearly 8 lakh people had signed the petition as of May 30, according to the website.
The tone of the cockroach campaign is irreverent and humorous. “Sponsored by no one, funded by nothing,” “HQ: Wherever the WIFI Works,” “Filed Under: General Disgruntlement,” and “Now Accepting Rants, Retweets, and Resentment” are just a few of the brief, snappy phrases on the CJP’s website that are purposefully cheeky.
More than a million people have signed the website, which Dipke claims was taken down by the government on May 23 and reopened on May 25. As of May 30, the CJP had more than 22.4 million Instagram followers. Just four days after its creation, on May 21, the CJP’s Instagram account had more followers than the BJP. The CJP had more than two lakh followers on X prior to the government blocking its account on May 21 due to “national security” concerns. As of May 30, a brand-new CJP account named “Cockroach is Back” had more than 2.38 lakh followers.
Dipke declared on June 1 that he will go back to India and organise a demonstration on June 6 at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Dipke reportedly urged CJP followers to congregate in the capital, which was the movement’s first major attempt to translate internet participation into a tangible political presence.
Anger from Generation Z
Experts attribute the campaign’s unparalleled virality to the youth, particularly Gen Z, who not only responded to it but also appeared to own it. They claim that the cockroach came to represent young people’s restlessness, and the immediate circumstances surrounding the NEET paper leak made the CJP even more relatable to them. There are signs of Gen Z’s significance as an electoral constituency and pressure group, as well as the difficulties established parties have in connecting with them.
The CJP’s internet surge is thought to be a reflection of how Gen Z perceives the contemporary political and socioeconomic landscape, particularly the topics that are important to young people. Dipke claims that the CJP’s internet success is a result of Gen Z’s enthusiastic support.
In a May 20 podcast with The Hindu, Dipke claimed that Gen Z voices were the ones who initially encouraged him to launch the campaign and that their backing is what has given it such momentum. Globally, Gen Z is dissatisfied with politics and the establishment since it is no longer beneficial to them. Because they are aware of their rights, this generation won’t put up with you if you don’t serve them,” he stated.
Despite its humorous beginnings, the CJP seems to have struck a chord with young people. Ankit Lal, a former head of the AAP’s social media department and author of the book How Social Media Is Leading The Charge And Changing The Country, claims that the CJP highlights the harsh reality of the younger generation and reflects their current mental state.
This perfect storm is the result of several factors coming together. The majority of our country is young. Additionally, today’s kids lack confidence and are afraid of what lies ahead. Because we missed the AI bus, the optimism that accompanied India’s leadership in the software sector has faded. Young people’s problems are not being addressed by the establishment, which is frustrating, according to Lal.
Experts claim that the CJP’s virality also exposes young people’s discontent with the establishment’s alleged insufficiency in addressing their issues.
The CJP has about 23 million supporters, the most of whom are young. They do not fervently adhere to any particular party or ideology. The momentum the CJP has gained online shows that there is widespread and deep resentment. There is anguish and hopelessness. The figures show how young people are feeling. Political analyst Yogendra Yadav stated, “They are upset and frustrated, and the Cockroach Janta Party gave them a platform to express their feelings.”
Experts believe that the CJP might capitalise on the prevalent attitude among young people, particularly due to its timeliness, appropriate media coverage, and messaging, with the cockroach serving as an effective mascot.
