‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Sparks Political Stir: Will Abhijeet Contest the 2029 Elections? Makes Major Statement on Alliance with Kejriwal

New Delhi. The ‘Cockroach Janata Party’—which has rapidly emerged on social media—has ignited a new debate within the country’s political landscape. Behind this campaign, which has garnered the support of hundreds of thousands of young people in just a few days, stands 30-year-old Abhijeet Deepke, who recently completed his Master’s degree in Public Relations (PR) from Boston University. Abhijeet asserts that this movement is less about political ambition and more about raising a collective voice against the resentment and neglect felt by the youth.

Chief Justice’s Remark Becomes the Catalyst for the Movement
Abhijeet revealed that, until just a few days ago, he was in the process of applying for jobs in the United States. It was during this time that a remark made by the Chief Justice of India came to light—a remark in which young people active on social media were likened to “cockroaches” and “parasites.” He stated that this specific statement served as the primary trigger for the movement. According to him, had such a remark been made by a political leader, it might not have had such a profound impact; however, when such words are uttered by an individual occupying a position entrusted with upholding the Constitution and safeguarding freedom of expression, it inflicts a deep wound upon the youth. Abhijeet remarked, “I am that very ‘cockroach’ being referred to. This remark was deeply insulting to hundreds of thousands of young people like me.”

Hundreds of Thousands of Youth Join Within Days
According to Abhijeet, within just 48 hours of the party’s launch, hundreds of thousands of people had connected with the movement across social media platforms. The follower count on Instagram surged to over 3.3 million, while hundreds of thousands of young people registered on the campaign’s website. He emphasized that this is not the result of a sponsored campaign, but rather an explosion of the anger and frustration that has been simmering within the youth for years. Abhijeet asserts that the country’s ‘Gen-Z’ now wishes to speak out openly regarding issues concerning politics and the existing system, and they are resentful of being ignored.

Will He Join Hands with Kejriwal?
Abhijeet Dipke’s past ties with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) have also become a topic of discussion. He acknowledged that he had worked in the AAP’s communications department between 2020 and 2023. He stated that he was inspired by Arvind Kejriwal’s education and healthcare models, and it was this shared vision that led him to join the party. However, he later decided to focus on his personal life and career, eventually moving to the United States. When asked about a potential alliance with Kejriwal or any other political party, Abhijeet categorically stated that the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ currently intends to maintain a distance from any established political entity. He remarked, “Anyone is welcome to offer support, but the youth of Gen Z do not want this movement to be overshadowed by any traditional political party.”

What did he say about contesting the 2029 elections?
Responding to questions regarding the possibility of contesting the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, Abhijeet stated that it would be premature to comment on the matter at this stage. He explained that the movement is currently in its nascent phase, and future strategies will be formulated only after consultations with the youth. He emphasized that the objective of this campaign is not merely to contest elections, but to fundamentally transform the country’s political discourse. Abhijeet argued that contemporary politics fails to address the genuine concerns of the youth; critical issues such as employment, education, technology, and the future have been relegated to the background.

What is the party’s 5-point agenda?
A five-point agenda has also been released on the Cockroach Janata Party’s website. This agenda encompasses issues such as the independence of the judiciary and the Election Commission, ensuring 50 percent representation for women, reforming media ownership structures, and enhancing political accountability. Abhijeet asserted that this agenda is not designed to create a sensation, but rather reflects a vision aimed at establishing an ideal democratic system. He alleged that several of the country’s institutions no longer appear to be impartial—a situation he identifies as the greatest threat to democracy.

‘What have the youth gained from Hindu-Muslim politics?’
Questioning the current state of politics, Abhijeet observed that for several years now, the country’s political landscape has revolved almost exclusively around religious and communal issues. He stated that in countries like the United States, young people discuss AI, semiconductors, clean energy, and emerging technologies, whereas in India, political discourse remains confined to Hindu-Muslim issues. According to him, incidents such as the ‘NEET paper leak’—which has impacted the future of millions of students—are a direct consequence of this very political mindset.

Attacking Both the Government and the Opposition over the NEET Controversy
Abhijit stated that, distressed by incidents such as paper leaks, many students suffer from severe mental stress, and some have even gone so far as to commit suicide. He raised the question: following such incidents, has any minister ever stepped down by accepting moral responsibility? Abhijit asserted that neither the ruling party nor the opposition takes the issues concerning the youth seriously.

Will the Movement Remain Confined to Social Media?
Critics argue that this movement will remain nothing more than a social media trend. Responding to this, Abhijit stated that this is merely the beginning. He asserted that the nation’s youth are now ready to raise their voices in a democratic and peaceful manner. Abhijit believes that, in the times to come, this movement will introduce new and highly educated faces into politics—individuals who will be better equipped to understand the problems faced by the youth.

What Was Said Regarding Funding and Organization?
When questioned about funding and the organizational structure, Abhijit stated that the team is currently formulating a strategy. He noted that the movement is still in its nascent stages, and no hasty decisions will be taken at this juncture. His objective is to build a robust, independent, and enduring youth movement. Abhijit emphasized that they do not wish to give those in power the opportunity to dismiss this initiative as merely a fleeting “social media bubble” that lasted for a few days.