The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical movement born on social media just weeks ago, is preparing to take its campaign to India's streets. Founder Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate, said Monday he would return to India to lead a peaceful protest on June 6 demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities.

The CJP was sparked by remarks attributed to India's Chief Justice Surya Kant, who reportedly compared some unemployed youth to 'cockroaches' and 'parasites' last month. Kant later said his comments were taken out of context, but the remarks struck a nerve among young Indians grappling with unemployment, exam scandals, and economic insecurity.

India's nationwide medical entrance exam was canceled last month, but only after some 2.2 million students had already taken it. Authorities cited suspicions of leaked exam questions.

The CJP has amassed over 22 million Instagram followers, far surpassing the ruling BJP's 9.5 million and the opposition Congress's 13.9 million. However, authorities blocked its X account, citing national security concerns.

Senior BJP politicians Rajeev Chandrasekhar and Kiren Rijiju have accused the CJP of being a 'cross-border influence operation' linked to Pakistan. Dipke alleged surveillance and intimidation, with family and friends fearing his arrest upon return.

Sociologist Avijit Pathak said the movement reveals a widening disconnect between citizens and an unwilling establishment. Media critic Pamela Philipose noted how the term 'cockroach' was transformed into a badge of resistance.

To become a political party, the CJP must meet organizational and financial transparency requirements. Election regulations may also bar its cockroach imagery as an official symbol. BJP spokesperson Tom Vadakkan warned that social media following and electoral mandates are different matters.

Source: www.dw.com