Why Cockroach Janata Party Has No Woman Spokesperson? Founder Abhijeet Dipke Explains.

New Delhi: Within three weeks of its formation, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced three spokespersons and held its first press conference on Wednesday, which was attended by a large number of media representatives. Spokespersons Vijeta Dahiya, Saurav Das, and Ashutosh Ranka shared details on this occasion about the proposed protest on June 6 at Jantar Mantar.

CJP is an emerging satirical political movement in India, launched on May 16 by Abhijit Deepke, a Boston University student and political communication strategist. It is a parody name of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), reflecting the anger of young people against unemployment, paper leaks, and systemic flaws.

Meanwhile, questions were raised about the absence of any woman spokesperson in a movement being promoted as a youth movement. In response, party founder Abhijit Deepke clarified via a social media post. Deepke wrote, "Why isn't there a female spokesperson in CJP? We offered this role to our female team members, but many told us that due to continuous online attacks and threats, they would prefer to remain actively involved rather than being at the forefront. We respect their decision. Nevertheless, we would like to invite young women who want to be part of this movement and are willing to come forward as spokespersons."

Among the three spokespersons appointed by CJP, investigative journalist Saurav Das has been given the responsibility of chief spokesperson. Vijeta Dahiya is a political researcher, writer, filmmaker, and former DTU student. Ashutosh Ranka is an alumnus of IIT Kanpur and the London School of Economics, having worked with McKinsey & Company in London and led several public movements on environment, education, and youth issues in Jaipur.

How the Cockroach Janata Party was born

During a Supreme Court hearing on May 15, Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked: "There are some youth like cockroaches who neither find any livelihood nor any place in any business. Some of them become media, some become social media, RTI activists, and they start attacking everyone." Responding to this, Abhijit Deepke posted on Twitter: "What if all cockroaches come together?" The post went viral, and seeing the immense support from the youth, Deepke created a website and social media accounts, launching the Cockroach Janata Party as a satirical platform.

In just five days after its launch, the Cockroach Janta Party had built an Instagram following of 13.9 million, surpassing the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party's 8.8 million and closing in fast on the Congress party's 13.3 million. Its X account, @CJP_2029, had gathered over 165,000 followers and, by some estimates, had at its peak exceeded 201,000. However, users in India attempting to access @CJP_2029 were met with a stark notice: "Account has been withheld in India in response to a legal demand."

The withholding of the CJP account immediately drew sharp reactions from opposition figures and civil society voices. Founder Abhijeet Dipke approached the Delhi High Court for relief. However, the court declined immediate restoration of the account, noting that the content was slightly offensive and directing a Review Committee to examine the blocking order.

While the primary X handle remains withheld in India, the movement's official Instagram account has remained active and highly followed.

What was said at the press conference

The three young spokespersons of CJP stated at the press conference that there is a severe lack of accountability in the system. They said that 800,000 people signed a petition demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, but there has been no response. The government transferred two officials, which the media is calling a big decision, whereas one official was appointed to a position like Secretary in the Agriculture Ministry – this is not a punishment. The party says not even a minimum suspension has occurred.

Citing irregularities in exams like NEET, SSC GD, CBSE, and CUET, they said that around 10 million young people have been mocked, and many students have committed suicide due to pressure. The main protest focusing on all these issues will be held on June 6. CJP founder Abhijit Deepke will reach Delhi airport at 8 AM, then go to Parliament Street Police Station to seek permission for the protest at Jantar Mantar. The protest will be completely peaceful, and youth from any party without banners can participate. They emphasized that democracy should not just be about voting every five years but should be dynamic. The public has elected their 'employees', so they have the right to ask questions. They questioned why Dharmendra Pradhan hasn't resigned despite such a big betrayal and whether any accountability remains in the country.

Saurav Das said that youth constitute 65% of the country and it's time for them to lead. He raised questions over continuous paper leaks, glitches, and lack of accountability in the education system. Reiterating the demand for Minister Pradhan's resignation, Das stated that despite so many leaks during his tenure, no accountability is being fixed. Das stressed that this movement is not of one individual but of lakhs of affected students, and the youth must now peacefully assert their rights on the streets. Describing CJP as a youth political movement and a pressure group, Das said its main demand is accountability in governance. He clarified that it is not an extension of any political party but a battle for principles.

Renowned Ladakh-based environmental activist, educator, and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Sonam Wangchuk has already expressed support for CJP and had announced joining the Jantar Mantar protest on June 1. In a social media post, he wrote, "Ready for June 6th... only with peace and love. If any force has to be applied, it won't be from our side! Even if it means jail... Everyone should go to jail once in their life, not for a crime but for a purpose!" This post indicated Wangchuk's concern about potential government efforts to suppress the movement but repeatedly emphasized that the protest would be completely peaceful and follow the path of Satyagraha.

TMC parliamentarian Mahua Moitra posted on X, " All roaches & parasites: those who love to question, seek accountability, file RTIs, file PILs - Jantar Mantar beckons. Delhi Police will be waiting with dandas but peaceful cockroaches know how to find the cracks!"

Actor Prakash Raj also extended his support, stating, "I am trying to reach there on June 6 to show my solidarity with the most-needed Cockroach Movement. Because I am far away for a pre-committed film shoot. Trying my best to reach there. Requesting all young cockroaches to crawl there."