THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

In pictures: 'Cockroaches' descend on New Delhi as party of social media fame stages protest <p>Young students gathered in New Delhi on Saturday for the <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2005616">first street protest</a> by the satirical “<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2002051">Cockroach Janta Party</a>” (CJP) over alleged irregularities in recent major examinations.</p> <p>Carrying paper cockroach masks and pamphlets, the protesters called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan who has faced criticism over the irregularities, including question paper leaks and technical glitches.</p> <p>The CJP has garnered millions of followers on social media since its launch last month.</p> <p>Modi’s government has blocked the movement’s X account in the country, a move the CJP has challenged in a Delhi court.</p> <p>Political analysts say the group’s popularity has begun to dent Modi’s image despite his party’s recent victories in key state elections, even as wider frustration grows over rising fuel prices and gas shortages brought by the Iran war.</p> <figure class='media w-full sm:w-full media--center ' data-original-src='https://i.dawn.com/primary/2026/06/…

Could India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party spark South Asia’s next youth uprising? The sudden viral rise of India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical movement seeking to push young Indians from online protest into politics, has fuelled speculation that it could mark the start of broader youth-led unrest, similar to the uprisings that shook Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal. But while political analysts say the party reflects a deep undercurrent of anger among young Indians, they argue it is unlikely for now to become a mass movement on that scale because it has yet to...

Cockroach Janta Party Goes Viral: Why India's Youth Are Turning Digital ... As the viral “Cockroach Janta Party” movement explodes across social media, growing public anger over unemployment, inflation, exam scams, and institutional trust is turning memes into a nationwide digital rebellion. Prabhav Anand21 May 2026 08:55 What began as a sarcastic Instagram page has rapidly evolved into one of the most explosive digital protest movements India has witnessed in recent years. The viral rise of the so-called “Cockroach Janta Party” — a satire-driven online campaign born after controversial remarks allegedly comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches” — is no longer just internet humour. It has become a reflection of simmering public frustration over unemployment, paper leaks, inflation, judicial accountability, shrinking trust in institutions, and a growing disconnect between India’s youth and those in power. Within days, the movement crossed millions of followers on Instagram, overtaking even the ruling BJP’s official Instagram account in follower count, according to multiple reports. Some estimates placed the following above 10 million within four days, making it one of the fast…

Watch: Cockroach Janta Party: lessons for the ruling party and Opposition The online satirical phenomena the Cockroach Janta Party, has gained a lot of traction online and in political discourse. It has also become, in a sense, a lightning rod, of a narrative tug of war rather than what it is – a signal to political parties across the spectrum. We analyse how the BJP and the opposition parties have responded to this.

India’s “Cockroach Janta Party” goes viral as Gen Z movement grows A viral online joke in India, the “Cockroach Janta Party,” created as a parody of comments by a Supreme Court judge, has grown into a Gen Z–driven political movement with millions of followers. It promotes youth frustration with traditional politics but has also faced attempts by authorities to restrict its spread and reports of threats against its founder.

Cockroach Janata Party Founder Abhijit Dipke Receives Death Threats ... Days after its foundation, and already breaking the internet, Cockroach Janata Party is beginning to feel the heat of sudden fame, with its founder Abhijeet Dipke now alleging that he has been receiving death threats, just a day after the party’s X account was withheld. Join our WhatsApp Channel to Stay Updated! On Friday, Dipke posted a series of screenshots on X showing WhatsApp messages allegedly sent from unknown numbers, writing, “Receiving death threats now.” According to the screenshots, some messages warned him to join the BJP or risk being killed, even while living in the United States. Another message reportedly claimed that since the sender now had his phone number, it “wouldn’t take much time” to trace his address. Receiving death threats now.pic.twitter.com/agCy94jXEf The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is a widely popular satirical digital collective and online protest movement in India. It was established on May 16, 2026, by political strategist Abhijeet Dipke in response to controversial remarks attributed to Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant, who allegedly compared unemployed young people expre…

Iran war drives India’s cockroaches out, but can Modi crush them? When an Indian student at a US university used AI to create the “Cockroach Janta Party (CPJ)”, a parody political party, it sparked a viral sensation, hitting the zeitgeist in a country that has been particularly affected by the Iran war. As India's youth circumvent bans to express their economic discontent online, it could pose a threat to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government.

Is India next up in global Gen Z protests? Its 'Cockroach Party' hits ... Asia: South & Central Is India next up in global Gen Z protests? Its ‘Cockroach’ movement hits the streets. | Adnan Abidi/Reuters Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, gestures toward supporters after attending a protest in New Delhi, June 6, 2026. Loading... By Aakash Hassan Contributor @aakashhassan June 12, 2026, 5:00 a.m. ET | New Delhi Anulikha Dhawan and several friends slipped out of their dorm rooms in Punjab late last Friday, careful not to tip off any parents that they were leaving. Their families, worried about their safety, might have tried to stop them from making the overnight journey to Delhi. And Ms. Dhawan felt she had to go. The 19-year-old undergraduate student was driven to Jantar Mantar, a historic observatory and famous protest site in central Delhi, by frustrations shared by young people across India: repeated examination scandals, a shortage of jobs, and a growing sense that politicians are not listening. On Saturday, she stood among hundreds of protesters, some wearing cockroach masks and waving placards demanding accountability from the government. The gathering mark…

Rise of Cockroach Janta Party in India: Meme Politics and Youth Anger ... What began as an internet joke quickly evolved into one of India’s most unexpected political movements. The rise of the “Cockroach Janta Party” reflects the growing frustration among young Indians facing unemployment, exam scandals, institutional distrust, and political alienation. Powered by memes, satire, and social media culture, the movement transformed a controversial insult into a symbol of survival and resistance. More than just a viral trend, it reveals how India’s digitally connected generation is reshaping political expression in the age of internet activism. Here’s the same analysis rewritten in a more engaging blog style with a conversational flow, subheadings, and a stronger narrative tone. --- # How the “Cockroach Janta Party” Became India’s Most Unexpected Political Movement In India, political movements usually begin with rallies, speeches, student protests, or ideological manifestos. But in 2026, one of the country’s most talked-about political phenomena began with a meme. The “Cockroach Janta Party” sounded absurd at first. Social media users laughed at the name. New…

Cockroaches take over Delhi: How the party born from a meme became ... NEWS Cockroaches take over Delhi: How the party born from a meme became India's new youth protest LUCAS DE LA CAL, ASIA CORRESPONDENT Updated 06/24/2026 - 04:39 ET Share on Facebook Share on X Send by email The Cockroach Party started as a joke on social media and has evolved into a movement capable of mobilizing thousands of young people against the Government Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party AP Under a whitish sky due to heat and pollution, hundreds of young people spend another night lying on cardboard, mats, and backpacks at Jantar Mantar, the traditional protest space in New Delhi . Some doze off leaning against the metal fences set up by the Police; others, wrapped in flags with the drawing of a smiling cockroach. A few meters away, officers monitor the entrances while organizers denounce temporary cuts in water and food to try to disperse the gathering. Amid hip-hop songs and slogans against the Government, the most unusual protest India has seen in years enters its fourth consecutive day. What started as an internet meme has turned into a movement capable of mobilizin…

India's 'Cockroach Janta Party' began as a joke. Then millions joined in. A promotional image for the newly formed Cockroach Janta Party. Cockroach Janta Party Share Add NBC News to Google May 23, 2026, 5:00 AM EDT By Jay Ganglani and The Associated Press What began as an internet punchline is turning into something more serious. Subscribe to read this story ad-free Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content. Indians online are rallying around the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP — a parody political movement that started as online satire but has rapidly become a vehicle for venting anger over unemployment, corruption and the state of India’s democracy. The movement, a cheeky riff on the name of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’ s ruling Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has flooded social media with memes, mock campaign messaging and jokes carrying an edge of public frustration. “We have to understand that five years ago nobody was ready to speak up against Modi or the government,” said CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke. “The times are changing.” FOR SUBSCRIBERS 00:00 00:00 War in Iran is affecting prices in iconic food scene in India 02:05 Founded last…

What is India’s Gen-Z ‘cockroach’ movement and why is it a worry for Modi? The "Cockroach Janta Party", led by 30-year-old Boston University graduate Abhijeet Dipke, draws support from young people frustrated by a lack of jobs.

India's 'Cockroach Party' chief flies to New Delhi for protest The founder of India's satirical online "Cockroach People's Party" said he was flying back to New Delhi on Friday, to take the viral social media campaign to the streets. The parody "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) – echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) – has won millions of online followers on social media since its launch last month.

India's 'cockroach' political movement spills onto Delhi's streets India's largest online youth movement has taken to the streets for the first time, calling for the resignation of the education minister.

CJP's Tamil call for Bengaluru protest sparks backlash, forces clarification Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), frequently referred to as a satirical outfit, itself became a subject of satire, albeit through online trolling over a now-deleted social media post by one of its spokespersons who urged “Tamil friends” to take part in the outfit’s scheduled protest in Bengaluru on Sunday (June 13). The post on X was made by CJP spokesperson Saurav Das. The post attracted severe social media backlash with netizens questioning the logic and intention behind urging Tamil people in Bengaluru, instead of Kannada people, to take part in the protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the NEET paper leak and CBSE-OSM row. Also Read:Cockroach party protest: What are CJP supporters' demands and what Dipke said Das shared a video along with the post wherein he made the invitation in Tamil. “Greetings to my fellow Tamils. The next protest is going to be at Freedom Park in Bengaluru on Sunday, June 14, at 4 pm. This protest is against a minister who, despite multiple leaks in government examinations, has allowed the process to continue under his watch,” he said, as…

What Is Cockroach Janta Party Explained: Founder, Origin, Instagram ... Politics What Is Cockroach Janta Party Explained: Founder, Origin, Instagram Followers & Satirical Politics 🔸Published: 20 May 2026 11:36 AM 🔸Updated: 20 May 2026 11:36 AM The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is a viral satirical political movement in India driven by Gen Z online reactions. Learn who founded it, its manifesto, and why it has millions of followers. 0:00 0:00 Listen to this article What Is the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)? The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is a viral online political movement and satirical “party” that has taken Indian social media by storm in May 2026. It’s not a registered political party in the traditional sense instead, it began as a digital protest and humour‑driven commentary on politics, youth frustration, unemployment and institutional criticism . CJP’s Five-Point Agenda for 2029 We call upon leaders of all opposition parties, their supporters, and social activists to stand behind our Five-Point Agenda. It doesn’t matter to us which party you belong to (except for BJP), if you want to save democracy, support #CJP2029 pic.twitter.com/RHOkjZ0wOk — Cockroach Janta Party (@CJP_2029)…

Cockroach Janata Party holds first protest in New Delhi Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janata Party, an online joke that drew millions across India, gathered for the first time in the national capital on Saturday, taking the social media movement off screens and into its biggest real-world test yet. The protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, marks the movement’s first foray into street politics after weeks of dominating social media feeds and news headlines, attracting millions of online followers and widespread support among young Indians.

Supporters of India's Gen Z 'cockroach' party stage first protest in New Delhi Hundreds of mostly young Indians gathered in New Dehli on Saturday for the first street protest organised by the Cockroach Janata Party – a movement which began as an online joke but has quickly gained momentum among Indian youth disillusioned with their education, jobs and economic prospects.

How 'Cockroach Janta Party' turned a Supreme Court ... - CNBCTV18 Cockroach Janta Party surpassed BJP on Instagram, its X account withheld in India The movement was launched by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old digital media strategist from Maharashtra and a former member of the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media team. By CNBCTV18.com May 21, 2026, 2:57:07 PM IST (Updated) 4 Min Read What began as an offhand courtroom remark has now snowballed into one of India’s most unusual internet-led protest movements. The satirical ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP), born after controversial comments by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has rapidly transformed from a meme trend into a wider youth-driven campaign. From courtroom remark to viral protest movement The controversy erupted during a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, when the Chief Justice, while referring to individuals allegedly using fake professional degrees, remarked that ‘youngsters like cockroaches’ enter media and other professions to ‘attack the system.’ "There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them? There are youngsters like cockroache s, who don't get any employment and don't have…

Cockroach Janta Party draws support from AAP, Uddhav Sena, CPI TMC MP Mahua Moitra on Saturday expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party protest, saying the movement should not be underestimated. Responding to Abhijeet Dipke on X, Moitra remarked that "cockroaches survive even a nuclear holocaust" and urged supporters to keep moving "onwards and upwards," while backing the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar. And how…!! Cockroaches survive even a nuclear holocaust- don’t take them lightly. Onwards and upwards@abhijeet_dipke#cjpprotesthttps://t.co/si3jkq6M6B Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Saturday voiced support for the ongoing protest, saying the voices of the youth represent a call for change. In a post on X, Yadav said that the foundations of the existing system were beginning to crack and that young people had now ushered in a revolution. He also argued that merely addressing the visible branches of a problem would not be enough, and that its roots must be tackled to achieve real freedom, progress and justice. Ending his message, Yadav said, "One nation, one voice means revolution." Delhi Police on Saturday clarified that no FIR has been registered against prot…

What is Cockroach Janta Party? Founder, Controversy & Story Behind ... If we turn the pages of India's political history, we will find that most revolutions began with speeches, rallies, slogans, or protests. But in 2026, one of the country's biggest political internet movements began with a cockroach emoji. What started as a sarcastic tweet has now channelled into India's most viral digital rebellion, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a meme-powered political movement that crossed 10 million Instagram followers in just a few days and shook the internet. The Cockroach Janta Party, also called the "Cockroach People's Party" is a satirical youth political movement founded on May 16, 2026.Its slogan describes it as: "A political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth-Secular, Socialist, Democratic, and Lazy." The movement was started after controversial remarks made during a Supreme Court hearing by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.During the hearing, the CJI reportedly referred to some unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites of society." The comments triggered massive outrage online, especially among Gen Z users already struggling with unemployment, rising livin…

India's 'Cockroach' youth movement founder arrives in New Delhi to protest Modi The Cockroach Janta Party's protest on Saturday (Jun 6) marks the movement’s first foray into street politics after weeks of dominating social media feeds and news headlines.

Founder of India's 'Cockroach Party' arrives in New Delhi to protest Modi <p>The founder of India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party arrived in New Delhi on Saturday to <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/amp/2005402">lead a protest </a>against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, taking the country’s largest online youth movement to the streets for the first time.</p> <p>Abhijeet Dipke, 30, who has lived in the United States for the past two years, had said his family and friends feared he could be arrested on his return to India.</p> <figure class='media w-full w-full media-- media--uneven media--stretch' data-original-src='https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2063103336707142087'> <div class='media__item media__item--twitter '><span> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"> <a href="https://twitter.com/PTI_News/status/2063103336707142087"></a> </blockquote> </span></div> </figure> <p>Dozens of police officers gathered near Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi on Saturday, barricading some of the surrounding roads as protesters shouted slogans demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.</p> <p>Modi’s government…

Is the viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ a threat to Modi’s government? Al Jazeera’s @avawarrinerr explores the rise of the Cockroach Janta Party.

Cockroach Janta Party: India's youth turn judge's jab into viral political movement A satirical political movement has gone viral amongst India's youth with an unusual mascot at the helm: the cockroach. The Cockroach Janta Party was born after India's chief justice referred to unemployed youth as "cockroaches". Though he later said he was misquoted, his comments ricocheted online. As outrage escalated, 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke asked: "What if all cockroaches come together?" The online satirical movement now has nearly 23 million Instagram followers and counting.

Watch: Over 1.2 million join Cockroach Janta Party, says founder Abhijeet Dipke The Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has emerged as a viral online movement attracting over 1.2 million members. What began as satire has evolved into a platform highlighting youth unemployment, exam paper leaks and growing frustration among young Indians.

India's 'Cockroach Party' chief flies to New Delhi for protest <p>The founder of India’s satirical online “Cockroach People’s Party” said he was flying back to New Delhi on Friday, to take the viral social media campaign to the streets.</p> <p>Abhijeet Dipke, the 30-year-old Boston University graduate behind the online movement, said he was flying back from the United States to seek police permission for a peaceful protest on Saturday against the education minister.</p> <p>The parody “<a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2002051">Cockroach Janta Party</a>” (CJP) — echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) — has won millions of online followers on social media since its launch last month.</p> <p>CJP was set up after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly called young people who criticised the government “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a hearing. Kant later said his comments were taken out of context.</p> <p>Dipke, a political communications strategist who formerly worked with the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), <a href="https://www.dawn.com/news/2002121">created</a> the fictional party online on May 16.</p> <p>Its popularity has…

What next for India's Cockroach Party? The story of how an online joke became a viral sensation on social media, and started what appears to be the grassroots of a political movement.The Cockroach Party was founded by a public relations student to parody the comments made by India's supreme court judge. Abhijeet Dipke set up The Cockroach Party ten days ago, and has 23 million followers. Indian government alligned Critics call it a trojan horse for the opposition. Abhijeet speaks to France 24's Gavin Lee.

Cockroach Janta Party to Parasitic Front: How political memes are ... India’s digital political space has witnessed the emergence of satirical formations such as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and the National Parasitic Front (NPF), which have rapidly gained online attention following controversy over remarks comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites.” While both groups describe themselves as satire, their rapid online mobilisation has drawn widespread engagement and discussion. The developments come amid growing online reactions to remarks made by Chief Justice Surya Kant, which triggered criticism and prompted social media users to respond through organised parody movements. Origin of satire movement follows controversy over remarks The online mobilisation began after comments comparing unemployed youth to “cockroaches” and “parasites” sparked outrage across social media platforms. Instead of limiting responses to criticism, users created parody political identities that evolved into structured satirical organisations with formal online presence and messaging. Also Read: ‘Indian gyms surprised me’: Ukrainian woman compares fitness culture in India and Europe Co…

‘What if all cockroaches came together?’ The youth movement threatening to shake up India’s politics <p>Cockroach Janta party began as online joke but is growing into one of the most unexpected challenges to country’s rightwing government</p><p>The call out to the youth of India was simple: “Get ready to swarm the streets of Delhi with peaceful and loving dissent.” They came in their thousands.</p><p>The weekend marked the first public protest of the Cockroach Janta party (CJP), a movement that began as an online joke, but which has swiftly grown into one of the most unexpected challenges to the indomitable power of the country’s rightwing Narendra Modi government – driven by millions of discontented and disillusioned young people.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/08/cockroach-janta-party-youth-movement-india-politics">Continue reading...</a>

'Cockroach' movement gives voice to India's angry youth The satirical Cockroach Janta Party has tapped into the concerns of the India's youth over issues plaguing the nation's education and employment policies.

Parody Cockroach Janta political party’s rise reflects youth anger in India <p>Satirical project is viral sensation and outlet for protest on social media as it taps into young people’s frustration</p><p>It began as a satirical online project after India’s chief justice compared unemployed young people to cockroaches. Now millions of young Indians are flocking to it as an outlet for their frustration.</p><p>A parody political party with the insect as its symbol has exploded across India’s social media by turning absurdist humour into protest. Memes and short videos mocking corruption, joblessness and political dysfunction have flooded social media sites, where millions of users are embracing the cockroach – an insect known for its ability to survive harsh conditions – as a tongue-in-cheek symbol of endurance.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/may/21/cockroach-janta-party-youth-anger-frustration-protest-india">Continue reading...</a>

Cockroach Janta Party Explained: Who Founded It, Why It's Going Viral ... On May 15, 2026, Chief Justice of India Surya Kantsaidsomething from the Supreme Court bench that left the country’s unemployed youth with a choice: be offended, or be organised. “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don’t get any employment and don’t have a place in a profession,” the CJI said during a hearing on fake law degrees. “Some of them become media, some of them become RTI activists, and they start attacking everyone.” Within 48 hours, those youngsters had a party, a five-point manifesto, an election symbol, and more than 25,000 registered members. Abhijeet Dipke, a digital content creator and political commentator, founded the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), on May 16, 2026, the day after the CJI’s remarks went viral. He now carries the title “Founding President.” His first post was deliberately casual: “Launching a new platform for all the ‘cockroaches’ out there. Eligibility criteria: Unemployed. Lazy. Chronically online. Ability to rant professionally.” The party’s website, cockroachjantaparty.org, went live the same day under the tagline “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed.” Within 24 hour…

Cockroach Janata Party: How a satire became Gen Z's latest political ... In this episode of Capital Beat,The Federalspoke to Abhijeet Dipke about how an impulsive social media post evolved into a viral political phenomenon, why Gen Z is resonating with it, and whether the movement could eventually move beyond the internet. Did the idea for the Cockroach Janata Party come immediately after the CJI’s remarks, or was this something already in the works? To be honest, there was no planning at all. It was completely impulsive and instinctive. The moment the CJI made the remark, the idea came up. We never anticipated this kind of response. Today we have more than 45,000 members, and in my wildest dreams I never expected something like this. Also read:Amid row over CJI remarks, TMC MPs Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad join ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ It has been overwhelming. For the last 48 hours, I’ve barely slept because I’ve been responding to people who want to engage with us or join us. This kind of support cannot be created artificially. It is completely organic and unprecedented. How exactly did the idea take shape? I stay chronically online. When the CJI made the comment,…

‘I’m a cockroach’: Gen Z protest movement lands in Indian capital India&#039;s Gen Z Cockroach movement stages its first protest in the capital, demanding education minister&#039;s resignation.

Rapid rise of "Cockroach Janta Party" online protest movement appears to ... New Delhi — India's political establishment has a cockroach problem, and the government seems to be taking it seriously. The infestation is not of insects, however, but millions of young Indians taking part in a viral online protest movement. On Thursday, the account of the "Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)" was blocked on X. The CJP was launched only a week ago as a satirical movement to protest remarks by the country's chief justice, Surya Kant, who was widely reported to have referred to India's unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a hearing. The tongue-in-cheek online satire struck a chord. Within days of its launch, the fake party had garnered more followers on some social media platforms than India's main political parties. An image posted on the Instagram account of the "Cockroach Janta Party." Instagram As the online backlash grew, Kant tried to put a lid on it, insisting he hadn't referred to unemployed youth in general as vermin, just those who get jobs by faking degrees. "What I had specifically criticized were those who have entered professions like the bar with the aid of fake …

India's viral youth movement has moved from memes to the streets. Their ... CNN - World By CNN Newsource Published June 25, 2026 9:01 pm By Rhea Mogul, Deepak Rao and Vijay Bedi, CNN New Delhi (CNN) — What started as an online joke has now spilled onto the streets of India’s capital. Since Saturday, Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party, has been camped out in the heart of New Delhi, leading a crowd of protesters who are refusing to leave until the country’s education minister resigns over a national exam system mired in scandal . “We are here for the long haul, no matter how many days it takes,” Dipke told CNN from the protest site on this week, as dozens gathered around him in support. “We are going to be here until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.” Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate, arrived in India earlier this month to lead a movement of frustrated Gen Zers . After years of exam leaks, persistently high youth unemployment, and opportunities slipping further out of reach, their simmering frustration is sparking a demand for accountability that many say can no longer be ignored. The youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party – a riff on Prime Minis…

India: Viral 'Cockroach' party to take message to the streets India’s Cockroach Janta Party started as an online youth movement, taking aim at the country’s government over high unemployment and inflation. But after gaining huge traction online, it is now set to take its message to the streets with a protest planned for this Saturday in New Delhi. Its leader, currently based in the US, has planned to return to India for the demonstration, even if he fears being arrested.

Cockroach Janta Party protest Highlights: CPI condemns alleged RSS ... Cockroach Janta Party protest Highlights: Thousands gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday, 6 June, to join the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke, for a peaceful protest. Dipke had called on supporters and students to join his protest, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged paper leaks in the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, as well as the On Screen Marking (OSM) and revaluation controversy surrounding the Class 12 CBSE exams, which has left thousands of students reeling for their final results. Originally launched as a satirical response to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks, referring to certain individuals as "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing last month, CJP has since taken the shape of an organised campaign, with significant followers online. The blog has ended. Thanks for joining! On a day when hundreds gathered at Jantar Mantar here responding to the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) call, the Opposition stood vertically split into two camps -- a sceptical Congress on one side, while the rest of the pa…

India’s Cockroach Party fights attempts to discredit the movement On this edition of Access Asia, we explore how India’s nascent Cockroach Janta Party has tapped into the frustrations of the country’s youth. We speak with the party’s spokesperson, Saurav Das, who tells us that the movement is demanding accountability from the government. Political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot also weighs in on why young people in India are disillusioned and what the country’s opposition parties can learn from the viral movement.