Online Cockroach Movement Gains Followers in India

An online collective called the Cockroach Janta Party formed after comments by India's Chief Justice. The group has drawn tens of thousands of sign-ups and reached 10 million Instagram followers. The collective began after Chief Justice Surya Kant compared some unemployed young people to cockroaches and parasites during a court hearing.

He later clarified that he meant people with fake degrees. The remarks spread online and prompted the creation of the Cockroach Janta Party, known as CJP.

Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and Boston University student, started the group as a joke. He previously worked with the Aam Aadmi Party before moving to the United States. Within days, the CJP collected sign-ups through a Google form and inspired the hashtag #MainBhiCockroach.

The movement moved offline when young volunteers attended clean-up drives and protests dressed as cockroaches. On Thursday, the CJP's Instagram account passed 10 million followers. 7 million followers. The CJP's account on X is currently not visible in India after a legal demand.

Supporters include opposition politicians Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad, as well as lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Critics link the group to the opposition and note Dipke's earlier work with the Aam Aadmi Party. Dipke said the movement reflects frustration among young people who do not feel represented.

4 billion people under age 30. The CJP website describes itself as the voice of the lazy and unemployed and lists goals that include accountability and media reform. Dipke said more youth organizations are likely to form.