India's 'Cockroach Party' chief flies to New Delhi for protest

Abhijeet Dipke, the 30-year-old Boston University graduate behind India's viral satirical 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP), is heading to New Delhi to translate the online movement into a street demonstration. Dipke plans to seek police permission for a peaceful protest on Saturday, targeting the education minister.

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On my way to India … Leaving my fate in the hands of the Constitution.

The parody party, which mimics Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has rapidly gained traction since its launch last month. Its popularity surged after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly referred to young government critics as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing, though he later stated his comments were taken out of context. Dipke, a political communications strategist formerly with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), created the CJP online on May 16 with the slogan "a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth."

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The overwhelming response from those who want the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan to our call to join us at Delhi Airport was beyond our imagination.

The CJP is calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who faces criticism regarding alleged irregularities in several key examinations. Dipke expressed his commitment to the cause, posting on X, "On my way to India … Leaving my fate in the hands of the Constitution." Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk, who previously endured detention, has pledged to join the protests.

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It is not feasible for so many people to assemble at the airport as it would cause inconvenience to the public and the security forces.

Despite India's strict social media regulations, the CJP's Instagram handle boasts over 22 million followers, significantly outnumbering the BJP's 9 million and the Congress Party's 13 million followers on the same platform. Dipke urged supporters not to gather at the airport upon his arrival, citing the "overwhelming response" to their call. "It is not feasible for so many people to assemble at the airport as it would cause inconvenience to the public and the security forces," he stated in a video message. He emphasized the need for responsible action, adding, "We are law abiding citizens and have to act responsibly."

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We are law abiding citizens and have to act responsibly.