India’s viral ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ crosses 12 million followers in days

India’s newest viral ‘political’ movement isn’t led by a veteran politician or backed by a major party. It’s called the “Cockroach Janata Party,” and it has already amassed nearly 13 million Instagram followers in less than a week.

The initiative emerged after Indian Chief Justice Surya Kant was reported to have compared unemployed youth criticising the system to “cockroaches” during a court hearing. The remark triggered backlash online, especially among younger users, even though the Chief Justice later denied making the statement.

What began as a social media reaction quickly evolved into a satirical but politically charged movement. Founded by Maharashtra-based student Abhijeet Deepke, who is currently based in the US, the Cockroach Janta Party positions itself as an anti-establishment platform for young Indians frustrated with traditional politics.

Its slogan, “Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy,” blends internet humor with political messaging, a formula that appears to be resonating widely online.

In one of its recent social media posts, the Cockroach Janata Party shared a graphic depicting its party symbol cockroach consuming the BJP’s lotus symbol, in an apparent attempt to mock the ruling party after surpassing the BJP’s social media follower count. The caption read: “World’s largest party they said.”

The party’s manifesto includes several proposals: banning retired Chief Justices from receiving Rajya Sabha positions, criminalising the deletion of valid votes under anti-terror laws, introducing 50% reservation for women in Parliament and Cabinet, and revoking media licenses linked to billionaire business groups such as Ambani and Adani.

Deepke, a public relations graduate student at Boston University and former volunteer with the Aam Aadmi Party’s social media team, says the movement reflects growing disillusionment among young people who feel ignored by mainstream political parties.

Responding to journalists through his personal account, Deepke shared that the party will exercise its constitutional rights and express dissent through peaceful means, when asked if the movement will follow the path of protests as seen in Nepal and Bangladesh. “Let me make this absolutely clear. Do not insult or underestimate the GenZ of India by making such comparisons. The youth of this country are far more mature, aware, and politically conscious than many give them credit for.”

Whether the Cockroach Janata Party evolves into a real political force or remains an internet phenomenon is still unclear. But its explosive rise highlights how digital culture, meme politics, and youth frustration are increasingly shaping political discourse across the world.