India's viral 'Cockroach' party founder plans street protest

The creator of India's satirical "Cockroach People’s Party" (CJP) plans to lead a street protest in New Delhi, bringing his viral social media campaign offline. The CJP, which emerged as a parody of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has gained millions of followers online since its May launch.

The movement was founded after Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly referred to young government critics as "cockroaches" and "parasites." Kant later clarified his remarks were taken out of context and intended for individuals using fake degrees.

Abhijeet Dipke, the 30-year-old Boston University graduate behind the CJP, announced on X that he would return to India to lead a "peaceful protest" on May 30. He is calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing alleged examination irregularities that have led to student suicides and the disruption of tens of thousands of students' hard work.

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Students have committed suicide and the hard work of tens of thousands of students has been destroyed.

Social media accounts for the CJP, which describes itself as "a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth," have faced repeated blocking in India. Its Instagram handle boasts over 22 million followers, significantly more than the BJP's 9.5 million and the Congress Party's 13.9 million.

Dipke has urged followers to meet him at New Delhi airport before he seeks police permission for a demonstration. He expressed concerns about potential arrest, stating, "My friends and family are afraid that I will be arrested right at the airport and then sent to jail. But I still hope that our country is still a democracy today and that we will be granted permission to protest peacefully." Critics have accused Modi’s government of suppressing dissent, a charge it denies.

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My friends and family are afraid that I will be arrested right at the airport and then sent to jail. But I still hope that our country is still a democracy today and that we will be granted permission to protest peacefully.