Supporters of the Cockroach People’s Party hold protest in New Delhi

Supporters of the satirical 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), a social media movement in India, gathered in New Delhi to protest and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP, which playfully mimics Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has garnered millions of online followers, particularly among young Indians.

The movement's origins trace back to a recent court hearing where India's Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly likened young government critics to "cockroaches" and "parasites." Although the Chief Justice later stated his comments were taken out of context, a political communications strategist and Boston University student, Abhijeet Dipke, used the insult to create the parody party. Within a week of launching its online presence, the CJP's Instagram page attracted over 22.2 million followers with the slogan: "A political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth."

During the protest, CJP supporters, some wearing cockroach masks, chanted slogans such as "Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!" The protest focused on alleged irregularities in a major examination in May, which has fueled broader frustration over India's education system and limited job prospects. Organizers encouraged participants to bring the Indian national flag and a book, symbolizing the rights to education and equal opportunity.

The CJP's rapid rise mirrors a trend of youth movements originating on social media playing significant roles in anti-government protests across South Asia, including in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Nepal. The party's supporters often jokingly identify as unemployed and "perpetually online," reflecting the reality for many young people in India who face high unemployment rates and growing disillusionment with traditional politics, despite constituting over a quarter of the country's population.

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Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!