NEW DELHI: Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has voiced support for the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), criticizing the withholding of its X account as "disastrous and deeply unwise."
Tharoor's Remarks on CJP's Rise
"I'm incredibly intrigued by the rise of #CockroachJantaParty, which has already reached more than 15 million (now over 19 million) followers on Instagram in just five days," Tharoor posted on X. He emphasized that the movement reflects youth frustrations and should not be suppressed.
Account Suspension and Response
The CJP's X account, which had over two lakh followers, was withheld in India following a legal demand. Founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the suspension, writing: "As expected Cockroach Janta Party's account has been withheld in India." Within hours, the group launched a new account titled "Cockroach is Back," posting: "You thought you could get rid of us? Lol."
Tharoor stated, "This is precisely why the account being withheld on X is disastrous and deeply unwise — there should be an outlet for the youth to express their feelings and so, let CJP's account function instead of shutting it down!" He added, "Democracies need outlets for dissent, humour, satire and even frustration."
Political Implications
While uncertain about the movement's future, Tharoor expressed hope that the youth behind CJP would channel their energy into mainstream politics. "This is an opportunity that the Opposition must seize," he wrote, urging political parties to engage with the youth.
Congress leader Deepender Singh Hooda called the account withholding a "cockroach ban," stating it was "completely inappropriate in a democracy." He argued the movement highlights deep-seated anger among youth against a "flawed system" created by the BJP.
Origins of the Movement
The CJP emerged after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's controversial remarks during a court hearing, where he reportedly compared some unemployed youth to "cockroaches" and "parasites." The CJI later clarified that his comments targeted those using "fake and bogus degrees" and denied insulting India's youth.
Nevertheless, the Cockroach Janta Party turned the controversy into a viral internet movement, amassing over 19.5 million Instagram followers. The satirical outfit describes itself as "a political party for the lazy, the unemployed, and the chronically correct," with headquarters "wherever the wifi works." Its manifesto includes demands such as banning post-retirement Rajya Sabha seats for chief justices, a 20-year election ban for defecting MLAs and MPs, and 50 percent reservation for women in Parliament.
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