Editor, The recent rise of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has sparked widespread discussion across social media and among India's youth.

The movement emerged after controversial remarks by Chief Justice of India , who compared certain unemployed youngsters and online activists to "cockroaches" during a court hearing, later clarifying that his comments were aimed at people misusing the system. What began as satire quickly grew into a larger conversation about unemployment, frustration, and political disconnect among the youth.
Many people are now comparing its sudden popularity and digital mobilisation to the Gen-Z-led protests in Nepal in 2025, where youth-driven online activism contributed to major political unrest.
The movement became popular because it used satire, reels, and self-deprecating humour to express issues many young Indians relate to. The use of the word "cockroach" symbolised survival and resilience, turning an insult into an identity. This unusual style of political expression connected strongly with young people who increasingly use digital culture and humour to communicate their opinions.
However, the virality of such online movements should also raise questions. In the age of algorithms and influencer culture, it becomes difficult to separate genuine public sentiment from political influence or coordinated campaigns. While freedom of expression is important in a democracy, people must also remain aware of how quickly opinions can be shaped online.
At the same time, the popularity of this movement reveals something deeper. Many young people today feel unheard, emotionally exhausted, and uncertain about their future. The success of this movement shows that humour has become both a coping mechanism and a form of protest.
Whether the CPJ remains a temporary internet trend or develops into something more serious is uncertain. Yet it has already revealed a changing political culture in India, where memes and satire are becoming powerful tools of expression among the youth.
Your's etc,
Shivani Pde,
Via email

The Rise of Meme Politics in India

Editor,
Can a Joke Become a Movement Before It Becomes a Plan?
In an age where outrage travels faster than reflection, the rise of the Cockroach Janta Party has become one of the more unusual political moments of the season. What began as satire after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's controversial "cockroach" remark has quickly turned into a viral Gen Z expression of anger, humour and political restlessness.
The Chief Justice's comment, reportedly made in the context of unemployed youth and activism, triggered sharp criticism online. He later clarified that his remarks were misquoted and targeted people allegedly exploiting the system through fake degrees, not unemployed youth in general. Still, the damage was done. For many young Indians, the word "cockroach" felt less like a legal observation and more like an insult aimed at a generation already burdened by unemployment, uncertainty and distrust
Out of this anger came the Cockroach Janta Party, an unofficial satirical online political front created by Abhijeet Dipke. Reports say the platform rapidly gained thousands of sign-ups. The Mint reported the movement crossing 80,000 registrations within days. TMC leaders Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad also publicly engaged with the platform, giving the satire even more political visibility.
The idea is undeniably clever. It turns humiliation into humour. It converts insults into identity. It gives young people a common symbol through which they can laugh, protest and feel seen.
In that sense, CJP is unique, sharp and deeply Gen Z. But a viral moment is not the same as a political movement. India's youth have every right to condemn language that appears dismissive of their struggles. I personally condemn the CJI's remark because institutions must speak about citizens, especially young citizens, with dignity. But anger against a comment must not become anger against the entire system. A democracy cannot survive if every hurt sentiment becomes a call for institutional collapse. This is where caution becomes necessary.
Across the world, and closer home in Nepal, Gen Z led unrest has shown the power of young people to challenge systems. But it has also shown the risks of leaderless rage, unclear demands and movements that gain emotional force before they gain political direction. A generation may be right in its pain and still unprepared in its planning.
The Cockroach Janta Party reflects genuine frustration, but its manifesto and structure do not yet appear polished enough to offer serious benefit to the masses. Satire can expose a wound, but it cannot automatically heal it. A slogan can unite people for a day; policy must sustain them for years.
The deeper question is not whether young Indians are angry. They are. The question is whether that anger is being shaped into constitutional power or wasted in performative agitation.
If young people truly want to change the system, they must understand the system. They must study law, policy, governance, economics and elections. They must learn how power is built, not just how it is mocked. As the old democratic lesson goes: if you cannot change the system from outside, enter it, contest it and change it from within. That is why 2029 matters. Elections remain the most powerful instrument the Constitution gives citizens. The ballot is slower than a hashtag, but it is far more consequential. A meme may trend for 24 hours; a vote can shape five years. Hence CJP, therefore, should be seen as a signal, not a substitute. It is a reminder that Gen Z is watching, listening and refusing to be insulted into silence. But it must not become another emotional wave where young people gather without knowing what they stand for, why they stand for it, or what follows the noise.
India's Gen Z does not need to burn the house down to prove it exists. It needs to enter the house, study its architecture, repair its foundations and, when the time comes, redesign it through democratic power.
Because in the end, the real question is not whether young India can trend; it is whether young India is ready to govern.
Yours etc.,
Krish Marwein,
Via email

Appeal for Better Welfare and Protection of Stray Animals in Shillong

Editor,
I wish to draw attention to the need for better welfare and protection for stray animals in Greater Shillong.
Recently, I came across a badly injured stray cat and tried contacting different animal welfare NGOs for help. Sadly, most of them were unavailable or had very limited resources. This made me realize that there is a lack of proper support for stray animals during emergencies. Although these organizations are trying their best, they cannot handle everything alone.
The responsibility of caring for stray animals should not fall only on individuals or small NGOs. The Municipal Board should take stronger action. Many people pay Rs 150 to Rs 200 for dog registration tags, but there is very little information about how this money is being used. A part of these funds should be used directly for stray animal welfare and protection.
Therefore, I request the Shillong Municipal Board to create a proper policy for stray animals. This policy should include a welfare fund, a shelter for injured and abandoned animals, sterilization programs to control the population, vaccination drives, and an emergency helpline for reporting injured or abused animals.
There should also be transparency and accountability in the use of funds given to NGOs and welfare groups so that the money truly benefits stray animals.
One common excuse is the lack of manpower and shelters. However, the Municipality authorities can work together with animal rights activists and welfare organizations through joint efforts to improve the condition of stray animals in our city.
A truly compassionate city is one that cares not only for people but also for helpless animals. Let us work together to make Shillong a kinder and safer place for all living beings.
Yours etc.,
Sofia Mary Diengdoh,
Shillong