Supporters of the Cockroach People’s Party hold protest in New Delhi

CJP organisers rally supporters to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Hundreds of supporters of the Cockroach Janta Party (Cockroach People’s Party, or CJP), a satirical social media movement in India, have gathered in New Delhi after weeks of grabbing news headlines.The party, a play on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has attracted millions of online followers and widespread support among young Indians.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Iranian drone attack kills Indian citizen in Kuwait after US strikes Qeshmlist 2 of 3Is the Great Nicobar Island India’s Hormuz-like chokepoint against China?list 3 of 3Sooryavanshi in line for T20 call as India fast-track 15-year-old to topend of listOn Saturday, hundreds gathered in New Delhi’s protest zone near parliament, with some participants wearing cockroach masks.Last month, India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant likened young people who criticised the government to “cockroaches” and “parasites” during a court hearing.Kant later said his comments were taken out of context. But Abhijeet Dipke, a political communications strategist and Boston University student, used the insult as inspiration for a parody political party.Within a week of launching a website and social media accounts, CJP’s Instagram page soared and by Saturday had amassed more than 22.2 million followers, with the slogan: “A political front for the youth, by the youth, for the youth.”For Saturday’s march, CJP organisers rallied supporters to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, after an exam irregularity controversy in May that quickly transformed into frustration over India’s education system and limited job opportunities.CJP supporters chanted slogans including: “Cockroaches are coming, Dharmendra Pradhan is going!”Organisers of the march encouraged participants to bring India’s national flag and a book, which they said symbolised the right to education and equal opportunity for all. They also urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid any confrontations with police.