A New Political Movement Emerges in India
India has witnessed the rapid rise of a new political movement called the 'Cockroach Janta Party,' which has amassed nearly 15 million Instagram followers in under a week. This figure surpasses the follower count of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s official account, which sits below nine million. The movement was founded by 30-year-old Abhijit Deepke, who accuses the government of neglecting youth issues, particularly unemployment.
Over 400,000 people have filled out a Google form to apply for party membership, with more than 70% of applicants aged between 19 and 25. The name 'Cockroach Party' stems from a remark by India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant, who compared some unemployed youth to cockroaches. Youth unemployment in India—among those aged 15 to 29—stands at 9.9%, three times the national average. In urban areas, that rate climbs to 13.6%.
Young People Face Deep Social Challenges
A Deloitte survey found that 54% of Indian Gen Z respondents have postponed major life decisions due to financial pressure. Among those joining the movement is 26-year-old Siddharth Kanaudjia from Lucknow, who stated:
“I like the Cockroach Party because no one in this country listens to the youth, and there aren’t enough jobs. Cockroaches represent resilience: they come back after every blow.” - Siddharth Kanaudjia
Deepke emphasized that 'India’s youth have essentially disappeared from the mainstream political agenda. No one talks about us. No one listens to our problems or even acknowledges our existence.' He added that the movement has the potential to grow into a major political force and reshape Indian politics, but stressed that all actions remain peaceful, democratic, and within the bounds of the Constitution.
Meanwhile, in Belgrade, over 34,000 people took to the streets under the slogan 'Students Win,' reflecting a broader wave of youth activism in the region. India’s population stands at 1.42 billion, with roughly 65% under the age of 35. These figures highlight the scale and urgency of the challenges facing the country’s young people.
The surging popularity of the 'Cockroach Party' signals a deep societal demand for political change, especially regarding unemployment and the marginalization of youth. With young people making up such a large share of India’s population, this new movement could become a key player in shaping the country’s political future. It may also pressure established political parties to rethink their platforms and better address the needs of younger generations.