The founder of India's satirical online 'Cockroach People's Party' announced on Friday that he was flying back to New Delhi to take the viral social media campaign to the streets. Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University graduate, said he was returning from the United States to seek police permission for a peaceful protest on Saturday against the education minister.
Background of the Cockroach Janta Party
The parody 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) -- echoing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) -- has garnered millions of online followers since its launch last month. The party was created after India's Chief Justice Surya Kant reportedly called young government critics 'cockroaches' and 'parasites' during a hearing, though he later claimed his comments were taken out of context.
Dipke's Political Background
Dipke, a political communications strategist who previously worked with the opposition Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), established the fictional party online on May 16. Its popularity soared with the slogan 'a political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth'.
Call for Education Minister's Resignation
Dipke has called for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who faces criticism over alleged irregularities in several key examinations. 'On my way to India... Leaving my fate in the hands of the Constitution,' Dipke wrote in a post on X on Friday.
Support from Prominent Activist
Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old activist from India's Ladakh region who spent six months in detention after being arrested in September following deadly protests demanding autonomy for the Himalayan territory, has announced he will join the protests.
Social Media Presence and Restrictions
India tightly regulates social media content, and some of the CJP's social media handles have been blocked. However, its Instagram handle, still active in India, boasts over 22 million followers -- more than double the BJP's nine million followers on the same platform and surpassing the main opposition Congress Party's 13 million followers.
Dipke's Appeal for Orderly Protest
Dipke earlier urged followers not to gather at the airport upon his arrival. '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,' he said in a video message on X posted on Thursday. '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.' He stated he would immediately go to the police 'to seek permission directly for our peaceful protest' on Saturday. 'We are law-abiding citizens and have to act responsibly,' he added. 'So, please, be mindful that nobody should create any kind of disturbance.'
