A new online political movement called the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ has gone viral across India’s social media platforms. Emerging mainly among Gen Z users, the movement adopted a cockroach as its symbol and gained rapid traction after its launch on May 15. By Tuesday night, its Instagram following reached one million and surpassed three million within hours, making it one of the most discussed online topics in India.

The movement began after India’s Chief Justice compared some unemployed youths to “parasites” and “cockroaches” during a court hearing on fake degrees and joblessness. In response, founder Abhijit Deepak posted online asking what would happen if all “cockroaches” united, triggering a viral wave of memes, posts, and satirical content. Some opposition politicians and former officials have also expressed interest in joining the online group.

Deepak clarified that the movement has no anti-government or regime-change agenda. He emphasized that India’s youth are aware, mature, and politically conscious, and will express their views peacefully and democratically. The group has unveiled a cockroach as its election symbol and plans to hold its first virtual conference soon.