CPI(M), Congress MPs in Kerala slam actions against CJP

CPI (M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas and Congress Lok Sabha member Shashi Tharoor have criticised the Centre over alleged curbs on social media expression, citing action against accounts linked to the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

Brittas said a wave of “dissatisfaction and anger” driven by unemployment and rising prices is sweeping the country, arguing that youth expressing themselves through satire on social media should not be treated as anti-national.

Terming account suspensions a “fascist approach,” he also criticised the use of stringent laws like UAPA against protesting youth, warning against suppressing dissent in the name of national security.

Tharoor questions govt response

Echoing similar concerns, Tharoor took aim at what he described as the government’s “56-inch chest” rhetoric, saying that attempts to shut down a satirical and symbolic movement like the CJP reflected insecurity rather than strength.

Also Read: Cockroach Janata Party: How a satire became Gen Z’s latest political movement | Capital Beat

The Congress MP noted that the platform was started recently by a young man, Abhishek Dipke, as a humorous protest against remarks by Chief Justice Surya Kant, who had likened certain unqualified professionals and unemployed youth to “cockroaches.”

He pointed out that the initiative quickly evolved into a wider conversation among young people, especially Gen Z, around unemployment, secularism and anti-establishment sentiment.

Concerns over online restrictions

Tharoor alleged that while institutions may be controlled and a perception of stability created through sections of the media, such measures do not address the aspirations of India’s youth. He criticised the reported blocking of the group’s account on X, warning that bans and restrictions would not be able to stifle emerging voices.

Also Read: Cockroach Janata Party's X account withheld in India after surpassing BJP on Instagram

The Thiruvananthapuram MP stood by his earlier remarks supporting the rise of the meme-led political satire movement that has gained significant traction across social media in recent days, rejecting suggestions that its popularity was being artificially inflated.

Responding to criticism surrounding the #CockroachJantaParty trend, Tharoor wrote, “I welcome the pushback to my post and interview on the #CockroachJantaParty phenomenon.” A section of netizens alleged that the movement was being amplified through coordinated activity or linked to Pakistani-backed online networks.

Online amplification rejected

Describing such assertions as “too simplistic,” Tharoor referred to statements by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claiming that most of the platform’s followers were from India. Tharoor also said Instagram should “put the record straight”.

Also Read: TraceX Labs warns of fake Cockroach Janta Party Android malware spreading via WhatsApp, Telegram

Both leaders questioned why the government appeared “fearful” of a satirical movement, arguing that India’s large youth population is increasingly disillusioned and seeking change, something, they said, is reflected in the rapid spread of such online expressions.