Foreign hand in Cockroach Janta Party? Viral analytics raise questions over Pakistan, Bangladesh followers

The online campaign, which currently has no organisational presence on the ground, rapidly gained traction on social media and even surpassed the follower count of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), prompting speculation over whether the movement could evolve into a broader political force challenging the BJP.

While several politicians have attempted to leverage the campaign to push their own political narratives, some social media users have pointed to the unusually high number of foreign followers associated with the movement.

Screenshots shared online claimed that Indian users accounted for only a small portion of the audience, while analytics allegedly showed Pakistan, Bangladesh, Saudi Arabia and Turkey among the top follower locations.

However, these claims remain unverified.

What Triggered The CJP Campaign?

On May 15, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Jogmalya Bagchi was hearing a case related to senior advocate designation.

During the hearing, the Chief Justice, referring to the petitioner’s conduct and social media activity, remarked: “There are already parasites of society who attack the system, and you want to join hands with them?”

He further said: “There are youngsters like cockroaches, who don't get any employment or have any place in professions. Some of them become media, some of them become social media, RTI activists and other activists, and they start attacking everyone.”

The petitioner’s counsel later apologised and withdrew the plea.

However, the remarks sparked widespread outrage online, with many accusing the Chief Justice of insulting unemployed youth, journalists, activists and members of civil society.

Who Is Abhijeet Dipke?

Abhijeet Dipke is an Indian political communications strategist and social media activist who founded the viral Cockroach Janta Party campaign in May 2026.

The 30-year-old reportedly studied journalism in Pune and is currently pursuing Public Relations studies at Boston University. Before launching the CJP movement, Dipke worked as a volunteer with the social media team of the Aam Aadmi Party between 2020 and 2023, focusing on meme campaigns and youth outreach.

Political Debate Around CJP

Dipke’s previous association with the Aam Aadmi Party has fuelled political controversy, with critics alleging that the movement carries opposition leanings.

Dipke, however, has maintained that the Cockroach Janta Party does not seek formal alignment with any political party.

The campaign continues to divide opinion online. Supporters describe it as a creative and symbolic youth protest against elitism and unemployment, while critics dismiss it as meme-driven activism and political propaganda.

CJP X Handle Withheld

The X handle of the Cockroach Janta Party was withheld on Thursday, according to founder Abhijeet Dipke.

The account had reportedly gained over 200,000 followers within just four days and attracted support from prominent personalities including Dhruv Rathee, Prashant Bhushan and Mahua Moitra.

‘Cockroach Is Back’

Following the withholding of the original account, Dipke shared another X handle titled “Cockroach is Back”.

“You thought you can get rid of us? Lol,” the new handle posted, signalling the campaign’s return to the platform.