India's Cockroach Janata Party Goes Viral and Gets X Blocked

A satirical political movement called the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was launched in mid‑May 2026 by 30‑year‑old Abhijeet Dipke after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s remarks likening unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” The group rapidly grew on social media, amassing over 15 million Instagram followers—surpassing the BJP’s count—and millions more on X.

The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, acting on an Intelligence Bureau input, directed X to withhold the CJP handle under Section 69(A) of the IT Act, citing national‑security concerns. The Instagram account remains accessible and continues to gain followers.

Political figures have weighed in. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor defended the satire as a democratic outlet and warned against suppressing youth dissent, while BJP‑aligned MP Priyanka Chaturvedi warned the trend reflects disillusionment with established opposition. Several opposition leaders, including Mahua Moitra, have publicly engaged with the movement.

The founder reported death threats and launched a signature campaign demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Separate trademark applications for the CJP name have also been filed. The movement’s manifesto calls for reforms such as media‑ownership scrutiny and reservation for women in Parliament.