NEW DELHI: The X account of the viral satirical outfit, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been withheld in India. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the suspension, writing: “As expected Cockroach Janta Party’s account has been withheld in India.” Soon after, the group launched another account titled “Cockroach is Back”, posting: “You thought you can get rid of us? Lol”.The digital-only political satire movement emerged after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant faced controversy over remarks made during a court hearing on May 15. Reports had suggested the CJI compared some unemployed youth and social media users to “cockroaches” and “parasites” while criticising people entering professions with fake degrees.Also read: CJI Surya Kant clarifies ‘cockroach’ remarks on unemployed youthThe remarks quickly triggered backlash online, particularly among young users already frustrated over unemployment and competitive exam controversies. Justice Kant later issued a clarification, saying his comments had been misquoted and were aimed specifically at people using “fake and bogus degrees” to enter professions. He added that reports claiming he insulted India’s youth were “totally baseless”.But by then, the Cockroach Janta Party had already turned the controversy into an internet movement.Founded by former AAP social media worker Dipke, the group claims it attracted more than 40,000 members within two days of launch. Its slogan describes it as “a political party for the lazy, the unemployed, and the chronically correct”, with headquarters “wherever the wifi works”.The party’s satirical manifesto mixes humour with sharp political commentary. Among its demands are a ban on post-retirement Rajya Sabha seats for chief justices, a 20-year election ban for defecting MLAs and MPs, and 50 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and Union Cabinet positions.
