The ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ featured in talks at the INDIA bloc partners’ meeting in Delhi, as leaders noted strong online backing for the platform. Some questioned if this indicated lost public trust in opposition parties, while others suggested engaging with the group.
Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, appearing virtually, stressed that opposition parties must stay active year-round rather than only during elections. He urged allies to reflect on why the online ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ gained such traction and asked whether people had lost faith in them.
Sources said Thackeray called for opposition parties to raise public issues consistently and to project a clear leader. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said the bloc should engage with the platform as it appeared to be “doing something right.” CPI-ML (Liberation) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya urged solidarity with movements like the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’.
The satirical platform, created after a remark by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, has gained large social media followings. It held a protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding the education minister’s resignation over exam issues.
Congress leader Shashi Tharoor noted the online support revealed youth frustration and advised participants to engage in electoral politics.
The meeting followed assembly election results in four states. The BJP retained Assam and won West Bengal, while the Congress took Kerala and actor Vijay’s party defeated the DMK in Tamil Nadu. Several alliance equations have shifted since the previous gathering.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged the Congress to be more accommodative ahead of Uttar Pradesh polls. Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge announced the bloc would write to the Chief Justice regarding alleged electoral irregularities and demand the education minister’s resignation.
