A parody party. Five days. And 12 million Instagram followers. In just five days, a satirical political movement has disrupted one of the most established social media ecosystems in Indian politics and surpassed the ruling party. With just 56 posts, the Cockroach Janta Party crossed 12 million Instagram followers this week, triggering a wave of reactions online.
The BJP, which has spent years building a massive digital presence with over 18,000 Instagram posts and 8.7 million followers, has now been overtaken online by the Cockroach Janta Party, a parody movement launched only days ago. Social media users quickly responded with memes and slogans such as “Abki Baar, 10 Million Paar,” a play on the BJP’s well-known campaign tagline.
The Cockroach Janta Party was launched on May 16, 2026, by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old political communication strategist currently pursuing a Master’s degree at Boston University. Dipke is not a political outsider. Between 2020 and 2023, he worked on Aam Aadmi Party’s social media team, focusing on the meme-driven digital campaigns that shaped the party’s youth outreach during the 2020 Delhi elections.
When the Chief Justice’s remark comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches went viral, Dipke said he acted on impulse. According to him, the idea emerged from a belief that young Indians want a political language that reflects their humour, frustrations, and internet culture.
The movement describes itself as “a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth.” Its slogan reads: “Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy.” Its stated headquarters: “wherever the Wi-Fi works.”
The AAP Shadow And the Sceptics
Not everyone is convinced about the spontaneity of the movement. Critics point out that Dipke’s satirical targets, the judiciary, Election Commission, media, and corporates, mirror long-standing political narratives, while his background includes work with AAP’s social media team.
The speed of the launch, complete with a website, logo, anthem, and manifesto within hours of the viral remark, has also raised questions about whether the movement was entirely impromptu.
Dipke has denied any political backing, saying the Cockroach Janta Party has no sponsors or affiliations. However, questions remain about whether the viral movement has unintentionally amplified opposition-style messaging in a new form.
The party’s mock manifesto includes demands such as no post-retirement Rajya Sabha seats for Chief Justices, 50% women’s reservation including in the Cabinet, bans on defecting MPs, and action against misinformation. Several public figures, including Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad, Prashant Bhushan, and Sabeer Bhatia, have shown support. The page has also surpassed the Aam Aadmi Party’s Instagram following.
A Viral Movement Reflecting Deeper Gen Z Discontent
Beneath the follower counts is a growing sense of impatience among young people, driven by rising fuel prices, a weakening rupee, exam leaks, dowry deaths, and declining trust in institutions and media. This unrest is part of a wider global pattern, with Gen Z movements shaping political outcomes in countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and South Korea.
While the BJP built its online presence over years and thousands of posts, the Cockroach Janta Party matched and surpassed it in days with just 56 posts, reflecting where younger audiences are increasingly engaged.
The parody slogan “Abki baar” has been repurposed, capturing both humour and frustration online. The Cockroach Janta Party is not registered with the Election Commission of India.
