Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and the party's national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee have expressed support for the satirical digital collective Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), TMC Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien said on Monday.
Former West Bengal chief minister shares a video message with the people and the workers of the Trinamool Congress, in Kolkata.
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
In a post on X, O'Brien said both leaders remained focused on “fighting the good fight” amid a series of internal review meetings following the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal polls.
“Purposive meetings all week with @mamataofficial and @abhishekaitc. Both focused on fighting the good fight. Steely resolve,” O’Brien wrote, adding, “Oh and they both expressed their fondness and full support for Cockroaches.”
From satire page to online movement
The Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Boston-based Abhijeet Dipke, gained traction on social media after its launch on May 16. The movement emerged following controversy over remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, which were widely interpreted online as comparing unemployed youths to “cockroaches”.
The group adopted the “cockroach” symbol as a form of digital protest and quickly built a strong online following through satire and meme-driven mobilisation. According to the organisation’s website — which was later taken down by authorities — membership required applicants to be “unemployed, lazy, chronically online” and capable of “ranting professionally”.
Crackdown claims and growing support
{{^htLoading}} {{/htLoading}}
{{^usCountry}}
The CJP has recently campaigned against alleged failures in the education sector, including the purported NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
{{/usCountry}}
{{#usCountry}}
The CJP has recently campaigned against alleged failures in the education sector, including the purported NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
{{/usCountry}}
Dipke on Saturday alleged that several of the movement’s social media accounts had become inaccessible as part of a crackdown. He also claimed that the group’s backup account was briefly suspended and that his personal Instagram account had been hacked.
The outfit’s original X handle was withheld in India on May 21. It later resurfaced with a new account, “Cockroach is Back”, which has amassed over 2.27 lakh followers.
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.
Home/India News/Mamata Banerjee, after Bengal loss, extends support to Cockroach Janta Party
{{^htLoading}}
Advertisement
{{/htLoading}}
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
{{#usCountry}}{{/usCountry}}
Hindustantimes wants to start sending you push notifications. Click allow to subscribe
