A newly launched political movement calling itself the “Cockroach Janta Party” has rapidly gained attention across social media platforms after remarks allegedly made by the Chief Justice of India comparing sections of young Indians online to “cockroaches” and “parasites” triggered widespread outrage among Gen Z users.
The movement was launched by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, an Indian student who recently graduated from Boston University with a degree in public relations. Dipke claimed the initiative emerged as a response to growing frustration among young Indians over unemployment, lack of representation and the state of political discourse in the country.
Speaking in an interview with India Today, Dipke said the controversy began after the Chief Justice’s comments were perceived by many as dismissive towards youth expressing opinions on social media.
“It was more hurtful because it came from the Chief Justice of India, who is supposed to safeguard freedom of expression,” Dipke said, adding that the remarks resonated with many young people who already felt ignored by mainstream politics.
According to Dipke, the “Cockroach Janta Party” has witnessed a massive response within days of its launch. He claimed the movement had attracted over two lakh registered members and millions of followers on Instagram in less than a week.
The movement, which currently operates largely online, has positioned itself as a platform to amplify Gen Z concerns, including unemployment, education reforms, institutional accountability and the need to shift political debate away from communal issues.
Dipke, who previously worked with the Aam Aadmi Party between 2020 and 2023, said the initiative is not aligned with any existing political party and intends to remain independent.
“We want to listen to people because the biggest complaint from young Indians is that nobody talks to them or acknowledges their existence,” he said.
The party’s preliminary agenda includes demands for institutional independence, greater women’s representation in politics and accountability within constitutional bodies. However, Dipke acknowledged that the movement was still in its early stages and did not yet have a concrete political roadmap.
“It has only been three or four days. We are still figuring out what people want this movement to become,” he said.
The emergence of the online movement has sparked debate over the increasing political engagement of Gen Z in India, with many observers comparing it to youth-driven mobilisations seen in neighbouring countries in recent years.
While critics have dismissed the initiative as a temporary social media trend, supporters argue it reflects deeper dissatisfaction among young Indians over employment opportunities, governance and political representation.
Dipke said the movement’s immediate goal was to reshape India’s political discourse by focusing on issues such as jobs, education, technology and economic development rather than divisive rhetoric.
“We want discussions about AI, semiconductors, renewable energy and opportunities for young people — not the same old debates,” he said.
Whether the “Cockroach Janta Party” evolves into a formal political organisation or remains a digital protest movement remains uncertain, but its rapid rise has already drawn attention to the growing voice of India’s Gen Z electorate.
