India's Cockroach Janta Party protest sparks debate over celebrity activism

Television presenter Ranjini Haridas warned that celebrities who lend support to a cause only after it gains momentum risk appearing insincere. She said public figures should decide independently whether to speak on social or political issues, but observed that late‑stage endorsements can look "questionable".

Correspondents writing to a Newslaundry podcast criticised the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement for focusing narrowly on a demand for a resignation rather than broader reforms such as unemployment, inflation or corruption. They argued that the limited agenda makes it easy for the government to dissolve the protest, yet noted that the protest has nonetheless spread nationwide despite these criticisms.