The party, formally known as the Cockroach Janta Party, emerged only weeks ago on social media but has already attracted millions of supporters, particularly students and young voters online. Since its launch in mid-May, it has gathered nearly 22 million followers on Instagram alone.
The movement was founded by 30-year-old Abhijit Dipke, a student of political communication at Boston University, who has been living in the United States for the past two years. He created the party in response to remarks by India’s Chief Justice, who had described young critics of the government as “cockroaches” and “parasites.”
धर्मेंद्र प्रधान इस्तीफ़ा दो!
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) June 6, 2026
शिक्षा मंत्री को हमने चुन कर भेजा है, हमारे टैक्स से उनको तनख्वाह मिलती है!
उनके शासन काल में करोड़ों युवाओं का भविष्य अंधकार में है।
cockroach आ रहे हैं, धर्मेंद्र प्रधान जा रहे हैं! #cjpprotest pic.twitter.com/LYcOUY7Shc
Despite concerns from family and friends that he could face arrest upon returning to India, Mr Dipke travelled to New Delhi and called on supporters to gather and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The minister is under intense pressure following the leak of exam papers for medical school entrance tests held on 3 May. The exams were cancelled and rescheduled, triggering political controversy and affecting the plans of millions of students.
Tight security at protest
Authorities deployed tight security measures for the demonstration, with dozens of police officers stationed near Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi. Several nearby roads were closed as a precaution.
The protest marks the first large-scale mobilisation by the new party, whose rapid rise appears to reflect broader dissatisfaction among India’s youth.
Crowds gather at Jantar Mantar for Cockroach Janta Party protest under heavy security arrangements.
— The Hindu (@the_hindu) June 6, 2026
📹: @Sushil_Verma9 pic.twitter.com/nNtX46Tv5A
Growing pressure on government
High youth unemployment remains a major challenge in India, with hundreds of millions of people aged 15 to 29 struggling to find work outside agriculture. Economists say many educated young people are stuck in low-paid, insecure jobs that do not match their qualifications.
At the same time, public frustration has been fuelled by rising fuel prices and shortages of natural gas.
Analysts note that the movement’s popularity represents one of the most visible expressions of discontent with the ruling Hindu nationalist party led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and suggest it is already beginning to affect his public image.
“This is a peaceful movement for the country’s youth,” said Ashutosh Ranka, a spokesperson for the Cockroach Janta Party. He added that Mr Dipke “is ready for a long and significant role in India’s political life.”
Government response
The Modi government has blocked the movement’s account on X, prompting the Cockroach Janta Party to challenge the decision in a New Delhi court.
India’s Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, accused the movement of seeking support from Pakistan, as well as from what he described as ‘anti-India groups.’
Source: iefimerida.gr
