PUNE, INDIA — A new political movement in India, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), kicked off its protest campaign on Thursday. Hundreds of students and young supporters gathered at Savitribai Phule Pune University, marking a strong display of unity and purpose.
This rally in Pune followed their initial major protest in New Delhi just last week. The group is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to allegations of irregularities and repeated leaks during examinations.
The founder of CJP, Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications expert and student from Boston University, spoke to the crowd. He declared that this rally was just the beginning of a larger national movement. He mentioned plans for protests in additional cities and promised to return to New Delhi later this month if the education minister does not resign.
“The government cannot overlook the youth,” Dipke stated, having returned from the United States to lead this initiative.
The movement itself began in May, sparked by comments from Supreme Court judge Surya Kant, who likened some unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” Instead of distancing themselves from the term, supporters adopted it as a badge of resilience. This clever rebranding has led to over 22 million followers on Instagram.
Initially centered around educational issues, the movement’s concerns have broadened to cover topics including unemployment, soaring living costs, and demands for improved government accountability.
CJP mixes humor with serious political commentary, as supporters often refer to themselves playfully as unemployed and “chronically online.” Their social media presence includes humorous videos and memes focusing on unemployment, corruption, and political issues, captivating millions. The cockroach has become a lighthearted yet poignant symbol for their cause.
