The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a social media-driven movement that has gained significant online attention in recent months, is preparing to make its foray into active politics through a nationwide campaign against alleged irregularities in India’s education system. The organization is planning a major protest in New Delhi over the NEET-UG and CBSE examination paper leak controversies, marking its transition from digital activism to on-ground political mobilization.
Party founder Abhijit Dipke is scheduled to return from the United States on June 6 to lead the proposed agitation. Ahead of the event, the organization has appointed three professionals—journalist and social activist Sourav Das, writer and filmmaker Vijeta Dahiya, and public policy expert Ashutosh Ranka—as its official spokespersons to represent the party before the public and media.
Addressing their first press conference at the Constitution Club in New Delhi on Wednesday, the spokespersons demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for the examination controversies. They also announced plans to seek permission for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar following Dipke’s arrival in the capital.
Sourav Das, who has been named the party’s chief spokesperson, is known for his work on legal, judicial and social issues. He has participated in several public campaigns and gained recognition for his use of the Right to Information (RTI) Act to investigate matters of public interest, including issues related to the Aarogya Setu application during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Vijeta Dahiya, an engineering graduate from Delhi Technological University, has worked as a political researcher, author and filmmaker. He previously served as a researcher and scriptwriter for YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and has written extensively on constitutional, historical and social issues. He is also the author of multiple books and has directed several regional films.
Ashutosh Ranka, an IIT Kanpur graduate with a master’s degree in Public Administration from the London School of Economics, has experience in public policy and consulting. Since returning to India, he has been associated with campaigns focusing on education, environmental issues and youth-related concerns. He has been particularly vocal on matters related to examination transparency and governance reforms.
The appointment of educated professionals as spokespersons reflects the party’s attempt to establish credibility beyond social media platforms and position itself as a pressure group advocating reforms in the education sector. Political observers view the planned June 6 protest as a crucial test of whether the organization can translate its online popularity into tangible political influence and public support.