A satirical project called the Cockroach Janta Party has become a viral sensation in India. Millions of young Indians are embracing it as a humorous protest against corruption and joblessness.

The satirical "Cockroach Janta Party" calls itself a "political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth." India's government may be trying to squash it.

The movement’s rise traces back to comments made by a Supreme Court justice, who compared some young people and critics of institutions to “cockroaches” and “parasites.”

India’s newest political movement started with an insult - and led to people proudly dressing up as cockroaches.

The Cockroach Janta Party phenomenon has crossed borders, with Pakistani social media now witnessing the rise of parody political movements inspired by India’s viral satire campaign

Cockroach Janata Party’s X account was withheld in India on May 21, with founder Abhijeet Dipke confirming the update. Meanwhile, the group’s Instagram page has crossed 13 million followers.

He further argued that the controversy should not be viewed only through the lens of the “cockroaches” remark, saying the movement reflected a wider political sentiment among the youth.

A brewing affordability crisis, rising youth unemployment and a flippant remark calling young people “cockroaches” by the country’s Chief Justice have triggered a spontaneous political movement among India’s Gen Z that has satirically embraced the insult and garnered more than 15 million followers on social media.