The movement, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has gained significant support among young Indians by focusing on concerns such as unemployment, inflation, and alleged irregularities in the education system.
Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, who is currently based in the United States, said he plans to return to India to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In a post on social media platform X, Dipke urged young people to join a peaceful demonstration in Delhi, saying citizens should exercise their constitutional right to seek accountability from elected leaders.
According to Dipke, nearly 800,000 students have signed a petition calling for Pradhan’s resignation. The education minister and government representatives did not immediately respond to the claims.
The movement has drawn attention for highlighting issues including examination paper leaks and alleged mistakes in the marking of final-year school examinations, controversies that have affected large numbers of students across the country.
Political analysts say the rapid growth of the online campaign represents one of the most visible expressions of youth dissatisfaction during the tenure of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The movement has also tapped into concerns over rising living costs, fuel prices and employment opportunities.
The group’s unusual name stems from remarks made by Surya Kant, who reportedly compared some unemployed youth to cockroaches. The chief justice later clarified that his comments were directed at individuals holding what he described as fake or bogus degrees rather than young people in general.
The Cockroach Janta Party has rapidly expanded its online presence and now claims more than 22 million followers on Instagram.
Dipke said relatives and friends have expressed concerns that he could face arrest upon returning to India, but he insisted that fear should not prevent citizens from speaking out.
The movement has also faced challenges online. Indian authorities have blocked the group s account on X, while Dipke told Reuters that unknown individuals briefly gained control of the party’s Instagram page.
Senior cabinet minister Kiren Rijiju has accused the movement of seeking support from Pakistan and what he described as “anti-India” elements, although Prime Minister Modi has not publicly commented on the controversy.
Public frustration intensified after authorities cancelled a major medical entrance examination due to a paper leak. In response, the government is reportedly planning to use the Indian Air Force to transport examination papers for a retest rather than relying on the postal system.
The movement has also focused heavily on youth unemployment. Official data shows that unemployment among Indians aged 15 to 29 stood at 9.9% last year, more than three times the national unemployment rate of 3.1%.
With growing support among younger voters, the Cockroach Janta Party has emerged as a prominent voice in online debates over education, jobs and governance in India.
