Cockroach Janata Party X Account Withheld, Founder Launches Viral “Cockroach Is Back”

The Cockroach Janata Party emerged online on May 16, 2026, as a meme-driven protest after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant allegedly referred to unemployed youth as “cockroaches.” Within days, the account attracted over 200,000 followers on X and millions more on Instagram, quickly surpassing mainstream political parties in digital reach.

Account Block And Founder’s Response

• The original X handle @CJP_2029 was withheld in India on May 21, 2026.
• X confirmed the move was in response to a valid legal demand under India’s IT Act.
• Founder Abhijeet Dipke shared screenshots of the block, calling it “expected.”
• Dipke alleged hacking attempts targeted the group’s Instagram account.
• A new handle, @Cockroachisback, was launched the same day with the tagline “Cockroaches don’t die.”

Rapid Growth Of Replacement Account

• The new account gained 16,800 followers within an hour and crossed 91,000 by late evening.
• Instagram following surged past 18 million, overtaking BJP’s 8.8 million and Congress’s 13.3 million.
• Other cockroach-themed accounts such as “Cockroach Youth,” “Cockroach News,” and “Cockroach Party of India” remain active.

Political And Social Context

• The movement began as satire but evolved into a youth-driven protest campaign against unemployment, exam paper leaks, and political accountability.
• Its manifesto includes demands for judicial independence, election transparency, women’s representation, and media reforms.
• Politicians including Mahua Moitra and activists like Prashant Bhushan have engaged with the movement online.
• The controversy originated from remarks by CJI Surya Kant, later clarified as being directed at individuals with fake degrees, but the backlash had already fueled the viral campaign.

Digital Protest Highlights

•⁠  ⁠Cockroach Janata Party’s X account withheld in India on May 21, 2026

•⁠  ⁠Founder Abhijeet Dipke launched new handle “Cockroach is Back”

•⁠  ⁠New account gained over 91,000 followers within hours

•⁠  ⁠Instagram following surged past 18 million, surpassing BJP and Congress

•⁠  ⁠Movement originated after CJI Surya Kant’s “cockroach” remark controversy

•⁠  ⁠Manifesto includes demands on judicial, electoral, and media reforms

Sources: Oneindia, Goodreturns, News18, The Hans India, Mathrubhumi English, Times of India, The Hindu, Hindustan Times