“What if all the cockroaches united?” The youth movement that could change India's politics

What began as an internet joke has rapidly transformed into a surprising challenge to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement born from online satire, is now mobilizing a generation frustrated by a lack of economic opportunities and educational challenges.

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What if all the cockroaches united?

The CJP's origins trace back to a controversial remark by India's Chief Justice, who likened unemployed young people to "parasites" and "cockroaches" during a public hearing. This statement sparked outrage online, prompting movement founder Abhijeet Dipke, who traveled from the United States to participate in protests, to ironically ask, "What if all the cockroaches united?" The question went viral, leading to the creation of a website, social media accounts, and a satirical manifesto criticizing government policies under the slogan: "A political party for the people the system forgot to count."

The movement's popularity surged, with its Instagram page amassing over 22 million followers in just a few weeks, surpassing the online presence of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Beyond the satirical tone, many young people see the CJP as an expression of their accumulated grievances. Recent studies indicate that nearly 40% of Indian graduates under 25 are unemployed. Protesters cited intense competition for university admissions, high costs of private tutoring, and a lack of career prospects after graduation.

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The youth of this country will no longer live in fear. They will fight for their rights.

Concerns about the education system, particularly repeated scandals involving national exams, are a major driver of the CJP's mobilization. This year, the medical entrance exam, taken by over two million candidates for about 130,000 places, was marred by allegations of leaked papers. Authorities were forced to cancel the test and schedule a new session. "We are the future of this country, and yet we are called cockroaches," said Mehima Fatima, a student at Delhi University. "I hope this is the beginning of a change."

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We are the future of this country, and yet we are called cockroaches. I hope this is the beginning of a change.