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🇸🇬 Singapore /Culture & Society

How a Viral Post Sparked India's Gen Z Protest Movement

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Ongoing story
  • A viral social media post criticizing India's Chief Justice led to the formation of the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP).
  • The CJP, initially a parody, gained over 30,000 members in 24 hours and now boasts 22 million Instagram followers.
  • The movement, driven by Gen Z, protests alleged failures in the education system, particularly concerning the medical entrance exam, and demands the Education Minister's resignation.

What began as a satirical social media post has rapidly evolved into a significant youth-led protest movement in India. Public relations graduate Abhijeet Dipke, 30, created the "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) after becoming "taken aback" by comments reportedly made by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who allegedly likened young critics of the government to "cockroaches" and "parasites."

What if all cockroaches come together?

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke's initial viral social media post that sparked the movement.

Dipke's post on social media platform X, questioning "What if all cockroaches come together?" went viral. This online reaction spurred him to create a parody platform, playing on the name of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The response was immediate and overwhelming, with over 30,000 people signing up within 24 hours of the CJP's launch.

The CJP's Instagram account has since surged to over 22 million followers, surpassing the BJP's following by 13 million. Dipke noted that the momentum is largely driven by Gen Z students in their 20s, who express deep dissatisfaction with existing political parties for not addressing their concerns. He emphasized that the movement stems from "genuine frustration" rather than being a mere social media trend.

How can the custodian of the Constitution compare the youth to cockroaches and parasites, just for expressing their opinions and criticising the system?

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke expressed his shock at the reported comments made by Chief Justice Surya Kant.

The online movement has spilled onto the streets, with CJP organizing protests across India. A key demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, whom the movement blames for repeated failures in the education system. Allegations of irregularities, including a paper leak for the medical entrance examination, have become a central rallying point for the CJP.

Within two hours we got some 5,000 sign-ups on the Google form... and that made me realise – why not launch an official website and a manifesto?

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke described the rapid online response that led to the formal launch of the CJP.

Student anger is palpable. Delhi University student Anjali, 25, described the protest as a "movement of rage" accumulated over the past decade. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has joined the protests, beginning a hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity, stating, "It is our duty to raise our voice."

That is when I realised maybe the youth here is trying to send a message.

— Abhijeet DipkeDipke reflected on the significant following the CJP quickly garnered.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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