Mock cockroach-theme political party draws India’s jobless youth, Modi’s rivals
The party was launched after India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant referred to some unemployed youngsters as ‘parasites’ and ‘cockroaches’
A mock political party erupted across Indian social media this week, becoming a symbol of Gen Z disillusionment with the country’s political establishment and anger over a worsening jobs crisis in the world’s most populous nation.
“Cockroach Janta Party [CJP] is India’s most honest political party for the lazy, unemployed and forgotten citizens,” the spoof party said on its website. It said it was “given a voice to millions of young Indians who feel neglected by traditional politics”.
Kant, India’s most senior judge, later said he had been misquoted by sections of the media.
The clarification did little to slow the movement’s momentum on social media, with political analysts saying its popularity reflects growing Gen Z resentment with the Modi government’s inability to create enough employment opportunities for the young.