The “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), formed after controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice Surya Kant, has rapidly gained popularity on social media, amassing millions of followers within days.
By Thursday afternoon, the party’s Instagram account had crossed 1.23 crore followers, surpassing the Instagram following of the Bharatiya Janata Party, which has around 87 lakh followers. The Indian National Congress currently has around 1.33 crore followers on the platform.
The party also gained nearly 1.93 lakh followers on X before its account was reportedly withheld in India.
Party formed after controversy over CJI remarks
The movement was started by Maharashtra-based Abhijit Deepake, a former volunteer with the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media team between 2020 and 2023.
The controversy began after media reports on May 15 claimed that Chief Justice Surya Kant had compared some unemployed youth to “cockroaches” during a court hearing.
A day later, the CJI clarified that his remarks were directed at people using fake degrees and unethical practices in professions such as law and media.
Abhijit said the backlash online inspired the idea for the party. “I asked what would happen if all cockroaches came together. Young people responded strongly and suggested creating a platform,” he said.
Satirical slogan and manifesto
The party describes itself with the slogan: “Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy.”
It has also released a satirical manifesto featuring several promises, including:
No Rajya Sabha posts for retired CJIs
Arrest of Election Commissioners under UAPA if valid votes are deleted
50 percent reservation for women in Parliament and the Cabinet
Cancellation of media licences linked to Ambani and Adani groups
A 20-year ban on defecting MLAs and MPs contesting elections
The party also lists unusual membership qualifications such as unemployment, “online-based habits” and “professional-level laziness”.
Supporters stage symbolic protests
In Delhi, supporters wearing cockroach costumes were seen cleaning areas near the Yamuna river as part of a symbolic cleanliness drive.
Organisers say the initiative is aimed more at political awareness among young people than at directly contesting elections.
Clarifying his earlier remarks, Chief Justice Surya Kant later said his comments were intended for people using fake qualifications and unethical methods in respected professions, calling them “parasites”.
