NEW DELHI (Agencies) — The creator of India’s viral, satirical online phenomenon known as the Cockroach Party, (Cockroach People’s Party) announced he is flying back to New Delhi on Friday. His objective is to transition the massive digital campaign into a tangible, real-world demonstration.
Important Update:
The overwhelming response from those who want the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan to our call to join us at Delhi Airport was beyond our imagination.
It is not feasible for so many people to assemble at the airport as it would cause inconvenience to the… pic.twitter.com/VOkd0Fbjmv
— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) June 4, 2026
Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University alumnus and the architect of the online movement, stated he is traveling from the United States to personally request police clearance for a peaceful protest scheduled for Saturday. The demonstration will target India’s education minister following recent controversies.
The Rise of the CJP
The parody political outfit, officially named the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) —a deliberate play on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)—has captured the internet’s attention, amassing millions of followers since its inception last month.
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The fictional party was born out of controversy. It was established after India’s Chief Justice, Surya Kant, allegedly referred to youth critics of the administration as “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a judicial hearing. While Justice Kant later clarified that his remarks were taken out of context, the damage was done. Dipke, a political communications strategist with past ties to the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), capitalized on the moment and launched the parody account on May 16.
Operating under the rallying cry, “a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth,” the platform’s popularity has grown exponentially across the country.
Demands and High-Profile Backing
Dipke and his followers are actively demanding the immediate resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who has drawn intense public scrutiny over alleged irregularities and misconduct surrounding several high-stakes national examinations.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Friday, Dipke updated his followers during his journey, writing:
“On my way to India … Leaving my fate in the hands of the Constitution.”
The movement has also gained significant traction among established political figures. Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent 59-year-old climate activist from Ladakh, has announced his intention to march alongside the youth. Wangchuk recently spent six months in detention following his arrest in September during intense demonstrations advocating for the Himalayan territory’s autonomy.
Social Media Following
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP): 22 Million
Indian National Congress: 13 Million
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): 9 Million
Despite India’s stringent digital regulations, which have already resulted in the blocking of several regional CJP social media accounts, the group’s main Instagram page remains accessible. It currently boasts more than 22 million followers—vastly outnumbering the official Instagram pages of both the opposition Congress Party (13 million) and the ruling BJP (9 million).
Apprehensions and Crowd Control
Anticipating a massive turnout, Dipke released a video message on X to discourage supporters from flooding the airport upon his arrival, citing public safety and logistical concerns.
“The overwhelming response from those who want the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan to our call to join us at Delhi Airport was beyond our imagination,” Dipke said. “It is not feasible for so many people to assemble at the airport as it would cause inconvenience to the public and the security forces.”
Instead, the strategist emphasized that his first priority upon landing would be to coordinate directly with law enforcement to secure the necessary permits for Saturday’s gathering.
“We are law-abiding citizens and have to act responsibly,” Dipke reiterated. “So, please, be mindful that nobody should create any kind of disturbance.”
