Started by a Boston University student after CJI Surya Kant’s remarks on unemployed youth, the digital movement claims support from thousands of Gen Z Indians
NEW DELHI — A sarcastic online political movement called the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP) has rapidly gained attention across the country after the controversial remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing triggered anger among the youth on social media.
What began as a spontaneous online joke by an Indian student in the United States has now turned into a wider digital protest attracting thousands of followers, especially among Gen Z youth frustrated over unemployment, rising costs and political dissatisfaction.
The controversy began on 15 May during a Supreme Court hearing related to fake law degrees. During the proceedings, the Chief Justice reportedly remarked that there were “young people like cockroaches” who failed to find employment and then became media persons, social media users, or RTI activists attacking everyone.
The comment quickly spread across social media platforms, including X, Instagram and WhatsApp, triggering criticism and anger among many youth.
Although the Chief Justice later issued a clarification saying his remarks had been misrepresented and were directed at people entering the legal profession through fake degrees rather than unemployed youth, the backlash continued online.
“I am inspired by every young person in India. They are the pillars of a developed India,” the clarification stated.
However, the explanation failed to calm public anger.
The phrase soon inspired Abhijeet Deepke, an Indian student pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Relations at Boston University.
Reacting to the controversy, Deepke posted on X: “What if all the cockroaches come together?”
According to him, the post immediately received hundreds of reposts, mostly from Gen Z users and college students.
“People started saying we should unite. I felt there was an opportunity to create something creative and funny,” he reportedly said.
What initially began as satire soon developed into a larger online political expression.
By 16 May, the “Cockroach Janta Party” officially launched its website and social media pages with the slogan: “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed.”
The party described itself as a “secular, socialist, democratic and lazy” political platform.
Its founders said the initiative was inspired by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi, B R Ambedkar and Jawaharlal Nehru.
Deepke said the website was built within a few hours with the help of friends and AI-based design tools.
“Our vision is still developing. Ideologically, we are secular, socialist, democratic and anti-caste,” he said during an online discussion organised by the group.
Within 48 hours, the party reportedly crossed 25,000 followers on X and more than 13,000 followers on Instagram. Overall online membership reportedly crossed 50,000.
The movement later organised an online gathering called “Rochak Satsang”, where students, unemployed youth, journalists and activists discussed unemployment, politics and public dissatisfaction.
During the discussion, Deepke clarified that the initiative believed strongly in the Indian Constitution and democratic protest.
“We do not want to destroy institutions. We want to question the system democratically,” he reportedly said.
Participants also discussed issues such as unemployment, inflation, leaked examination papers and frustration among young Indians who feel disconnected from traditional political parties.
The party’s manifesto, written partly in satire and partly as political criticism, included several controversial promises.
Among them were proposals to prevent retired Chief Justices from receiving Rajya Sabha seats, punish deletion of valid votes, expand women’s reservation to 50 per cent, and investigate sections of television media accused of bias.
The party also criticised corporate influence over media and political institutions.
Membership conditions on the website were written humorously, describing members as “unemployed”, “chronically online” and “professional ranters”, but many supporters said the satire reflected genuine frustration among educated youth.
The movement also received online attention from political figures, including Mahua Moitra and former cricketer-turned-politician Kirti Azad.
Observers say the sudden popularity of the Cockroach Janta Party reflects growing anger among sections of India’s youth over unemployment, rising living costs and lack of political alternatives.
Political analysts note that Gen Z voters in India have grown up largely under one dominant political leadership and many feel disconnected from mainstream political institutions.
The movement has also highlighted the growing power of digital activism, satire and meme culture in shaping political conversations among young Indians.
Supporters describe the movement as a humorous but serious attempt to give frustrated youth a collective voice.
Critics, however, argue that online satire alone cannot replace structured political engagement.
Still, within just a few days, the Cockroach Janta Party has succeeded in turning one controversial courtroom remark into a nationwide online political discussion involving thousands of young Indians.
