Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the viral online satire movement “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), has alleged that he is receiving threatening calls and messages after the group’s X account was withheld in India following a government directive.
Dipke on Thursday shared screenshots of alleged WhatsApp messages, claiming unidentified individuals had threatened him over the platform’s growing popularity and political messaging. “Receiving death threats now,” he wrote while posting the screenshots on social media.
One of the messages allegedly warned him to shut down the account in exchange for money, while another claimed he could be targeted “even in America” if he refused. Dipke is currently based in Boston, according to earlier media reports.
The controversy erupted shortly after the Centre reportedly directed X to block the “Cockroach Janta Party” handle in India under Section 69A of the IT Act. Government sources quoted by The Indian Express said intelligence agencies had flagged the account over concerns related to “inflammatory content” and “national security.”
What began as an online joke soon evolved into a wider youth-driven digital movement. The term “Cockroach Janta Party” gained traction after controversial remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant about unemployed youth triggered widespread backlash online.
Thousands of young users then adopted the label ironically, turning it into a protest symbol against unemployment, inflation and political disillusionment.
The movement’s explosive growth across Instagram and X has unsettled political circles and sparked intense debate over satire, censorship and online dissent. Opposition leaders have criticised the blocking order, alleging an attempt to silence criticism and youth anger.
Meanwhile, Dipke’s family members have reportedly expressed concern over the escalating controversy. Speaking to media outlets, his parents said they feared possible legal trouble and wanted their son to “stay away from politics.”
