The satirical “Cockroach Janta Party” movement, which first gained traction in India, has now crossed into Pakistan’s online political space. Inspired by India’s viral Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), several Pakistani social media accounts have emerged using similar themes and branding after the Indian movement exploded online following its launch on May 16.
The Indian collective, symbolized by the cockroach — an insect viewed as resilient, difficult to eliminate, and fast-growing — has reportedly gained millions of followers within days.
In Pakistan, multiple versions of the movement have appeared, including Cockroach Awami Party, Cockroach Awami League, and Muttahida Cockroach Movement. One account describes itself as, "A political front of the youth, by the youth, for Pakistan". Another bio states, "Jinhein system ne cockroach samjha, hum unhi awaam ki awaaz hain" (We are the voice of those people whom the system considered cockroaches.)
These Pakistani pages use logos similar to the Indian version but feature a green-and-white palette, presenting themselves as alternatives to major political parties such as PTI, PML-N, and PPP.
Origin of the Cockroach Janta Party
India’s Cockroach Janta Party was founded by Abhijeet Dipke, a 30-year-old Boston University student and former political communications strategist for the Aam Aadmi Party. The Indian movement also has its own manifesto and official website, reports NDTV.
Unlike the Indian version, the Pakistani adaptations appear to be loosely organized, with several independent creators launching their own interpretations of the concept.
The movement began after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant compared certain unemployed youth and activists to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a Supreme Court hearing.
"There are youngsters like cockroaches, they don't get any employment, they don't have any place in profession," Kant said. He later clarified that the comment referred to people entering professions using fake degrees.
Although it is not officially registered as a political party, the Cockroach Janta Party has reportedly attracted more than 20 million Instagram followers in under a week.