India’s ‘Cockroach’ Wave Crosses Border, Pakistan Gets Its Own ‘Cockroach Awami Party’

India’s ‘Cockroach’ Wave Crosses Border, Pakistan Gets Its Own ‘Cockroach Awami Party’ Published By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 14:38 IST Cockroach Janta Party, born after remarks by Surya Kant, gains 19 million followers and inspires low traction spin offs in Pakistan like CAP and CAL Posters of Cockroach Awami League and Cockroach Janta Party. The rising popularity of Cockroach Janta Party has travelled across borders and inspired its multiple versions in Pakistan, some of which are – Cockroach Awami Party (CAP) and the Cockroach Awami League (CAL). Cockroach Janta Party, which had begun its journey as a satire, soon turned into a political movement garnering the support of more than 19 million followers on Instagram. Following its footsteps, the youth in Pakistan have also created multiple such groups like Cockroach Awami Party (CAP) and the Cockroach Awami League (CAL). However, the traction is not similar, rather very low. The “Cockroach Janta Party" took shape in mid-May following widespread outrage over remarks attributed to Chief Justice Surya Kant, in which unemployed young activists were allegedly likened to “cockroaches" and “parasites." Also Read: ‘Foreign Interference, Coordinated Unrest’: Why ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ Has Security Agencies Worried Although the later issued a clarification over the comments, the controversy had already snowballed online, fuelling the rapid rise of the satirical movement. Cockroach Parties Enter Pakistan’s Political Circle Within days after the formation of Cockroach Janta Party, its Pakistani versions started surfacing online. One of the first to emerge on Instagram was Cockroach Awami Party, which had clearly written in its bio that it had taken inspiration from the Indian movement. “Yeah copied but who cares. Motto is same," the bio read. The account has till now managed to garner more than 1,700 followers. The Pakistani account stated that it is “not associated with any single person or any single team" and aims to become “the real voice of every Gen-Z" in Pakistan. The logo of the group is also similar to its Indian counterpart; however, they have used green-and-white branding to position themselves as an alternative to mainstream parties like Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), Pakistan Muslim League (N) or PML-N, and Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). The account is mostly posting memes and short-form reels reposted from creators. The account has confirmed that they will unveil their own official motto on May 28. Also Read: ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ X Handle Blocked After IB Flagged ‘ Security’ Threat: Report Meanwhile, other similar pages have appeared on Instagram as well as X. An account, @CockroachAP, has stated in its bio, “Those whom the system treated as cockroaches, we are the voice of those people". A page called Cockroach Awami League Pakistan claimed that it was the “official account" of the Cockroach Awami League (CAL) and used the slogan, “We remain alive in every situation". About India’s Cockroach Janta Party India’s Cockroach Janta Party is a satirical outfit, which emerged online just days ago, has rapidly gained traction across social media platforms. Branding itself as “a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth," the group also claims to represent the “Voice of the Lazy & Unemployed." Also Read: ‘Seize The Opportunity’: Shashi Tharoor’s Advice To Opposition Amid Cockroach Janta Party Frenzy Alongside its online campaign, the CJP has released a mock manifesto featuring a series of unconventional demands. These include prohibiting retired chief justices from being nominated to the Rajya Sabha, introducing 50 per cent reservation for women in Parliament without expanding the total number of seats, and imposing a 20-year political ban on elected representatives who switch parties. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 22, 2026, 14:35 IST News world India’s ‘Cockroach’ Wave Crosses Border, Pakistan Gets Its Own ‘Cockroach Awami Party’ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...