CJP: Why India’s Youth Are Rallying Behind Cockroach Janta Party

Reported by Samiccha Malik & Titiksha Choudhary 
Pune, 21st May 2026: What began as a satirical online movement has rapidly evolved into one of the most talked-about youth-led digital trends in the country. The “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), launched on May 16 by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke from Maharashtra, has struck a chord with thousands of young Indians frustrated over unemployment, examination controversies and what they describe as a disconnect between the system and the aspirations of the youth.

The movement emerged shortly after controversial remarks by the Chief Justice of India regarding unemployed youth triggered outrage on social media. Many youngsters viewed the comments as insensitive and dismissive, especially at a time when students across the country were already angry over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy.

The cancellation of the NEET-UG 2026 examination affected nearly 2.3 million students nationwide and intensified criticism against the National Testing Agency (NTA), with several students and political groups demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Amid this backdrop, the Cockroach Janta Party quickly gained traction online. Within days, its Instagram account crossed 15 million followers, surpassing the follower count of several mainstream political parties on the platform. The movement also faced resistance, including the blocking of its account on X and alleged hacking attempts, but supporters continued amplifying its content across social media platforms such as Instagram, Reddit and X.

Speaking about the unusual name, founder Abhijeet Dipke said the symbolism was intentional.

“The name ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ shows that we own the identity of the cockroach — if that is what it takes for young people to be heard. It also seeks to send a message that cockroaches exist only in filth and rot. This means the country’s system has become so rotten that the cockroaches now have to emerge,” he said.

Dipke had earlier volunteered with the social media team of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) between 2020 and 2023. However, many supporters of the movement insist that the initiative reflects broader youth frustration rather than political propaganda.

Youngsters shared mixed but largely supportive views on the online movement.

Srinath, a 16-year-old student preparing for CLAT, said, “This was a very sudden incident. I did find it kind of weird initially, but the thought and intention behind it seem correct.”

Sanvi Jadhav, 16, who is currently applying for colleges, said, “If it crashes, it might crash badly. But if it survives, I think it could last for a long time. The intent behind the movement may have been impulsive, but it also feels valid.”

Mahi, another 16-year-old student who will soon begin classes at YTA, described the movement as a response to long-standing frustration among young people.

“I believe this was a much-needed step towards justice and change. The youth have faced a lot of injustice, especially after the NEET paper leak controversy. People say this is propaganda because the founder worked with AAP earlier, but I don’t think that alone makes it propaganda,” she said.

Shivansh, a student preparing for JEE, believes the movement has evolved beyond satire.

“It started with good intentions — almost like a joke — but social media platforms such as Reddit, Instagram and X gave it momentum. Now it has become highly political,” he said.

Young working professionals also expressed support for the movement’s style of communication.

Saiccha Malik, a 25-year-old bank manager, said, “Young people connect with the Cockroach Janta Party because it uses humour and honesty to discuss serious issues.”

Sneha Kulkarni, a 27-year-old school teacher, said, “I think the Cockroach Janta Party speaks about real ground-level issues that many larger political parties ignore.”

Meanwhile, Karan Kerkar, a 29-year-old software engineer, said the movement resonated strongly with many in the younger generation.
“CJP should become an actual political party. East or West, CJP is the best,” he remarked jokingly.

While it remains unclear whether the Cockroach Janta Party will remain a satirical digital protest or evolve into something larger, its rapid rise has highlighted growing frustration among India’s youth over unemployment, exam-related controversies and the increasing role of social media in shaping political discourse.