‘Voice of the lazy & unemployed’: ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ welcomes Mahua Moitra, Kirti Azad amid CJI remark row

A fresh political and online stir has emerged after Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad expressed interest in joining a satirical platform called the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ (CJP). The development comes days after Chief Justice Surya Kant’s remarks during a court hearing triggered widespread debate and criticism online.

Controversy over CJI’s ‘cockroach’ remark

The issue began last week when the Chief Justice, during a hearing, made an observation that drew sharp reactions.

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

The comment quickly went viral, with many on social media questioning the choice of words and interpreting it as a criticism of unemployed youth.

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What is the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’?

Amid the backlash, a satirical account named ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ surfaced on X, positioning itself as a parody response to the remarks. The page describes itself as “a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth. Secular - Socialist - Democratic - Lazy.”

The account gained traction rapidly, crossing 15,000 followers within a day and later claiming that over 40,000 people had joined. On its official website, the group calls itself the “Voice of the lazy & unemployed. A political party for the people the system forgot to count. Five demands. Zero sponsors. One large, stubborn swarm.”

The group also stated X, saying, “With the growing support for CJP, we are fully aware that attempts will be made to dismantle us and portray us as anti-social elements. We want to make it absolutely clear that CJP firmly believes in the Constitution of India and will always work towards protecting its values.”

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Membership criteria and viral appeal

The CJP outlined a tongue-in-cheek eligibility list for members. These include being unemployed “by force, by choice, or by principle,” being “physically lazy,” spending long hours online, and having the ability to “rant professionally” on relevant issues. The group stated that religion, caste, and gender are not factors for joining.

TMC leaders react on social media

The satirical platform gained further attention when TMC MPs joined the conversation publicly.

Kirti Azad wrote, “I would like to join the cockroach janta party. What are the qualifications required?”

The CJP responded, “We welcome Kirti Azad to our Cockroach Janta Party. Winning the 1983 World Cup is a good enough qualification.”

Mahua Moitra also posted, “I too would like to join the CJP (besides being a card carrying member of the Anti National Party).”

The group replied, “You are the fighter democracy needs, Mahua Moitra. Welcome to CJP!”

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CJI issues clarification

Following the backlash, the Chief Justice clarified that his remarks were being misinterpreted.

“I am pained to read how a section of the media has misquoted my oral observations made during the hearing of a frivolous case yesterday,” he said.

He further explained, “What I had specifically criticised were those who have entered professions like the Bar (legal profession) with the aid of fake and bogus degrees. Similar persons have sneaked into the media, social media, and other noble professions as well, and hence, they are like parasites.”

Calling reports about targeting unemployed youth inaccurate, he added, “Not only am I proud of our present and future human resource, but every youth of India inspires me.”