A youth-led group called the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) held its first protest in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar area on Saturday, reviving the historic slogan ‘Inquilab Zindabad’. The movement, initiated by 30-year-old political strategist and Boston University student Abhijit Dipke, emerged online after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant compared unemployed youth to ‘parasites’ and ‘cockroaches’. The protest drew attention for its creative symbolism, with participants wearing cockroach masks and carrying books and flowers.

Members of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized the CJP, calling its actions provocative and alleging foreign influence, claims Dipke denied. BJP workers reportedly tried to disrupt the rally, prompting police intervention. Security was heightened near the residences of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and senior ministers. Dipke accused the government of creating fear around dissent, while the BJP maintained it acts within constitutional limits.

Analysts noted that despite the online momentum, the CJP lacks the grassroots presence needed for major political impact. The protest has nonetheless stirred discussion about youth activism and freedom of expression in India.