New Delhi: Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has encountered a wave of casteist abuse on social media platform X after disclosing his Dalit background in a recent post.
The 30-year-old public relations student from Maharashtra, currently studying at Boston University in the United States, launched the satirical party last week. It was inspired by remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing, in which he reportedly described unemployed Indian youth as “cockroaches” and “parasites.” The CJI later clarified that the media had misquoted him.
Dipke encouraged users on X to embrace the “cockroach” identity, transforming the parody into a rapidly growing online movement. Hundreds of thousands registered on the party’s website, its Instagram account amassed over 16 million followers, and the CJP’s X handle faced restrictions in India amid surging popularity.
As momentum built, Dipke released a manifesto and launched a party anthem. Prominent figures including politicians Mohua Moitra and Kirti Azad expressed support. Questions soon arose about the party’s future and its positions on key social issues. One user, Shut Up Counsel, pressed Dipke on reservations and Dalit causes.
In response, Dipke stated, “I am a Dalit myself. I hope that will answer all your questions.” The revelation triggered immediate casteist attacks.
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Mumbai-based writer and director Anuraadha Tewari commented, “So the self-proclaimed Gen Z leader is against merit.” Another user remarked, “Aa gya D card” (Here comes the Dalit card). An account named ImHydro posted abusive content alongside an image, while Hindutva Knight questioned Dipke’s political ambitions.
Several users condemned the trolling. One account, Laalsalan, noted, “The amount of hate UCs harbour for dalits is disgusting.”
In an earlier conversation with ThePrint, Dipke highlighted widespread disillusionment among young people with traditional political parties. He described receiving numerous messages urging him not to abandon the initiative, saying supporters have “lost hope in both the government and the Opposition.” Originally conceived as satire, the CJP is evolving into a broader platform aimed at engaging Gen Z in politics through activism, such as filing RTIs to promote accountability.
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