A social media-driven digital movement titled “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has emerged online following controversial remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, reportedly directed at unemployed youth and RTI activists. The remarks, which allegedly included references comparing critics to “cockroaches” and “parasites,” have triggered widespread debate and online backlash across platforms.
The CJP trend, positioned as a satirical digital protest, has rapidly gained traction on social media, reportedly amassing around 20 million followers within six days. The campaign has drawn significant attention for its rapid viral growth, with its reach reportedly surpassing the official Instagram presence of major political parties such as Bharatiya Janata Party and Indian National Congress.
The sudden surge in engagement has reportedly prompted Indian security and intelligence agencies to initiate a review into the origins and spread of the campaign. Officials are said to be examining whether coordinated digital activity, including the use of synchronized hashtags, AI-generated content, and mass posting patterns, could indicate external influence or organised digital mobilisation.
Meanwhile, authorities reportedly took action against the movement’s official presence on X (formerly Twitter), withholding its primary account in India on grounds related to public order and security concerns. However, supporters of the campaign have continued to circulate alternative accounts and hashtags such as “Cockroach Is Back,” sustaining the online momentum despite restrictions.
The movement is reportedly linked to Abhijeet Deepke, a political communication strategist from Maharashtra. Organisers have clarified that the initiative is not a formal political party but a satirical digital protest highlighting issues such as unemployment, examination leaks, and broader governance concerns. The campaign has also gained indirect attention from sections of the political opposition, who have echoed its themes on social media.
In response, a parallel meme-based trend titled “Hit Janata Party” has also surfaced online, referencing the popular insecticide brand HIT. The counter-trend features humorous AI-generated content and slogans such as “Swachh Ghar, Surakshit Bharat,” escalating into a wider meme war on social platforms. Amid growing political reactions, critics have argued that labeling the movement as anti-national amounts to an attempt to suppress youth expression, while supporters view it as a reflection of rising digital dissent among Gen-Z users.