The line between satire and reality often blurs in Indian politics, and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) is a prime example. What began as a satirical political group has now evolved into a formal organization poised to potentially reshape the country's political landscape. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke after Chief Justice Surya Kant controversially compared unemployed youth to 'cockroaches,' the CJP garnered over 40,000 members within two days, including several politicians. Now, as Dipke prepares to return to India from the United States, the party has announced three official spokespersons: Saurav Das, Vijeta Dahiya, and Ashutosh Ranka.
Saurav Das: Chief Spokesperson
Saurav Das, an investigative journalist based in New Delhi, is known for his work on governance, transparency, and judicial accountability. He holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and began his professional writing career in 2020. Since 2017, Das has been using the Right to Information Act (RTI) to access government records on matters of public interest. His work has appeared in prominent publications such as The Caravan, Article 14, Al Jazeera, The Wire, The Hindu, and New Lines Magazine. He is also a co-founder of the Climate Action Front, indicating his engagement with civic and policy issues beyond journalism.
Vijeta Dahiya: Official Spokesperson
Vijeta Dahiya is a multifaceted professional—political researcher, writer, filmmaker, and content creator. He has authored two best-selling books: Power of Universe and To Hell With That Job. Additionally, he has written and directed Haryanvi films such as Dararein and Opri Paraai. Dahiya has collaborated with popular YouTube creator Dhruv Rathee as part of his research and writing team. An alumnus of Delhi Technological University (DTU), he maintains an active social media presence, frequently sharing his views on politics, governance, and current affairs. On X (formerly Twitter), he describes himself as an admirer of figures like Bhagat Singh, Swami Vivekananda, Rosa Luxemburg, and Buddha.
Ashutosh Ranka: Official Spokesperson
Ashutosh Ranka, an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and the London School of Economics, brings a blend of technical and policy expertise. He served as a management consultant at McKinsey & Company in London before returning to India in 2025. According to the CJP announcement, Ranka has led several public movements in Jaipur focusing on environmental, educational, and youth issues, including the Dol Ka Badh, Amaira Suicide case, and NEET Paper leak. He holds a B.Tech in Materials Science and Engineering from IIT Kanpur, where he served as President of the Students' Gymkhana for the 2016-17 academic year. He later earned a Master's in Public Administration from the London School of Economics, concentrating on public policy and governance. Ranka has also worked as an associate fellow with the Aam Aadmi Party.
Many observers believe that the CJP could become a vehicle for channeling the frustrations of India's youth into mainstream politics. The party's rapid growth and the caliber of its spokespersons suggest that it may indeed have a significant impact. What are your thoughts on this unconventional political experiment?
