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Abhijit Dipke (left), who created the 'Cockroach Party' (CJP) social media account following remarks by the Chief Justice of India comparing unemployed youth to cockroaches and parasites. / Photo via Social Media Capture

The founder of 'Cockroach Party' (CJP), an online youth group that gathered tens of millions of followers in just a few days in India, challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi's regime head-on by announcing street protests demanding the resignation of the education minister.

According to Reuters on the 2nd (local time), Abhijit Dipke, the US-based founder of CJP, stated on his X (formerly Twitter) account, "I will return to India to demand the resignation of the education minister." CJP currently has more than 22 million followers on Instagram.

He urged young people to join a peaceful protest in Delhi to "exercise our constitutional right to hold the government accountable." He added that around 800,000 people have signed a petition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP targeted the recent series of exam paper leaks and grading errors. Dipke focused sharply on graduation exam leaks and grading mistakes that threaten the career paths of millions of students. Last month, as anger grew over the cancellation of the undergraduate medical entrance exam due to leaks, the Indian government decided to transport this month's re-examination papers using the Indian Air Force rather than mail.

The explosive growth of CJP is the result of tapping into discontent regarding politics, unemployment, and inflation among the generation under 30, who make up more than half of the estimated population of 1.42 billion. Youth employment, in particular, lies at the core of the issue. According to government statistics, the unemployment rate for 15-to-29-year-olds last year stood at 9.9 percent, over three times the overall unemployment rate of 3.1 percent. Rising fuel prices and gas shortages linked to the war in Iran added fuel to the fire of youth discontent.

The name 'Cockroach Party' originated from remarks by Surya Kant, the Chief Justice of India. The trigger pulled when Chief Justice Kant compared some unemployed youth to cockroaches. He later clarified that he did not intend to criticize young people but was pointing out holders of "fake and fraudulent degrees."

The rapid rise of CJP is considered one of the largest online backlashes against Prime Minister Modi's 12-year rule. Experts believe that despite recent victories in state elections, this movement could deal a blow to Prime Minister Modi's image.

The government has already taken action. CJP's X account remains blocked, and Dipke told Reuters that he had to regain control of the Instagram page from unidentified hackers. Kiren Rijiju, a senior government minister, criticized CJP, claiming it is drawing followers from Pakistan, "the biggest enemy state," and "anti-India forces." Prime Minister Modi has not yet issued a statement.

Dipke, who has resided in the United States for the past two years, shared that his family and friends worry he could face arrest upon returning home. However, he maintained his stance, asking, "How much longer can we live in fear?"

                                                                                                           Jung Lee-na