Can the Cockroach Janta Party become India’s next political movement? | Abhijeet Dipke

In this episode of Frontline Conversations, Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the viral Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), speaks about the movement that has captured the imagination of millions of young Indians in just a few weeks.

What began as political satire has rapidly evolved into a youth-led campaign centred on unemployment, exam controversies, political representation, and growing disillusionment with India’s political establishment. Dipke reflects on his journey from a Dalit family in Maharashtra to Boston University, why he chose to return to India despite opportunities in the United States, and why he believes Gen Z has lost faith in traditional political parties.

The conversation explores the rise of CJP, the anger surrounding NEET, CUET, the power of social media mobilisation, the challenges facing young Indians, and whether this movement could reshape India’s political discourse.