The satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), formed barely days ago, on May 16, in the wake of controversial remarks by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, has overtaken the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Instagram, while also drawing public endorsement and expressions of support from several opposition leaders. As of Thursday, the CJP had crossed 14.1 million followers on Instagram, surpassing the BJP’s 8.8 million followers on the platform.
The rapid rise of the platform has also prompted reactions from opposition politicians, some of whom publicly expressed support for the outfit or jokingly sought membership. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav weighed in with a brief social media post, writing: “BJP versus CJP.”
The remark quickly gained traction online as the party’s social media presence continued to expand. Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia also posted a video backing the trend. “I too am a cockroach,” Sisodia said. “When it’s a war between the crocodile and the cockroaches, I proudly stand with the Cockroach Janta Party,” he added.
Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad similarly expressed interest in joining the platform. “I would like to join the Cockroach Janta Party. What are the qualifications required?” Kirti Azad wrote on X. Responding in a humorous tone, the CJP replied: “Winning the 1983 World Cup is a good enough qualification.” Mahua Moitra also posted online,“I too would like to join the CJP (besides being a card-carrying member of the Anti National Party).” The platform responded by welcoming her, writing: “You are the fighter democracy needs, Mahua Moitra. Welcome to CJP!”
Popular YouTuber Dhruv Rathee described the development as reflective of broader public frustration among younger Indians. Calling it a “Gen Z movement”, Rathee said the growing support represented the “frustration of Indian youth”. “Demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and I too would like to be a member of the Cockroach Janta Party,” he said in a video shared online.
The Cockroach Janta Party was founded by Abhijeet Dipke and emerged after remarks made by CJI Surya Kant during a Supreme Court hearing triggered widespread criticism on social media. “There are youngsters, like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in profession. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone,” the Chief Justice had said. Although CJI Surya Kant later clarified his remarks, the comments had already triggered strong online reactions.
What initially began as memes and satirical commentary soon evolved into an organised online platform, complete with social media campaigns, branding and a political-style manifesto. The party describes itself as the “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed” and openly acknowledges its satirical nature. However, supporters argue that the movement also reflects wider concerns around unemployment, inflation, examination pressures and political privilege.
Its manifesto includes demands such as ending post-retirement political appointments for Chief Justices, stricter action against deletion of valid votes, penalties for political defections, action against misinformation by media outlets and greater representation of women in governance. Unlike conventional political organisations, the CJP has built its support almost entirely through social media, using humour, memes and satire to engage younger audiences.
