Image source, Getty ImagesWe’ve been calling them the “cockroach protesters” all day. But what does an insect have to do with a youth protest movement in India?
Quite a lot, it turns out.
Despite the name, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) isn’t a political party. It is a student-led satirical collective founded by activist Abhijeet Dipke that emerged from anger over alleged paper leaks and irregularities in India’s competitive entrance exams.
Its unusual name has its roots in a controversial remark made by India’s Chief Justice, who compared sections of unemployed young people with “cockroaches” during a court hearing. The comment sparked criticism and was later withdrawn.
Dipke, however, seized on it. He adopted the cockroach as the movement’s mascot, turning it into a tongue-in-cheek symbol of resilience.
What began as a satirical campaign on social media has since grown into a massive movement that has resonated with young people. The message, supporters say, is simple: you can try to ignore us, but we’ll keep coming back.
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