'Seize The Opportunity': Shashi Tharoor's Advice To Opposition Amid Cockroach Janata Party Frenzy

'Seize The Opportunity': Shashi Tharoor's Advice To Opposition Amid Cockroach Janata Party Frenzy Published By, Last Updated: May 22, 2026, 10:54 IST Shashi Tharoor hails viral Cockroach Janata Party Instagram surge, slams blocking of its X account as disastrous, urges Opposition to harness youth energy and dissent Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said he was intrigued by Cockroach Janata Party’s massive popularity in such a short span of time. (Source: PTI/X) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Friday expressed his intrigue over the sudden and massive popularity of the Cockroach Janata Party and called this viral trend an “opportunity" that the “Opposition must seize". “I’m incredibly intrigued by the rise of #CockroachJantaParty, which has already reached more than 15 million (now over 19 million) followers on Instagram in just five days," Shashi Tharoor wrote on X. The party has crossed more than 19 million followers on Instagram till the time of filing of this report. Tharoor Questions Takedown Of Cockroach Party’s X Account On Wednesday, Cockroach Janata Party’s X account, which had more than two lakh followers, was withheld in India. Also Read: Viral Cockroach Janata Party’s X Account Withheld In India, Founder Launches New Handle Speaking on the blocking of the X account, Tharoor questioned the takedown and said that the blocking of the account was “disastrous and deeply unwise". He added that there is a need for an outlet for the youth to “express themselves". I’m incredibly intrigued by the rise of #CockroachJantaParty, which has already reached more than 15 million followers on @Instagram in just five days.I understand the frustrations of the youth and see why they are resonating with it. This is precisely why the account being… — Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) May 21, 2026 “I understand the frustrations of the youth and see why they are resonating with it. This is precisely why the account being withheld on X is disastrous and deeply unwise – there should be an outlet for the youth to express their feelings and so, let CJP’s account function instead of shutting it down! Democracies need outlets for dissent, humour, satire and even frustration," the Congress MP said. ‘An Opportunity That Opposition Must Seize’ Tharoor further said that he is uncertain about the party’s future, but he hoped that the people working behind this movement will find a way to channel their energy into mainstream politics. “I am uncertain about the future of this movement but I hope the youngsters behind it find a way to bring this energy into mainstream politics or perhaps express it through their vote to be a voice of change and in doing so, become impossible to ignore," he said. Concluding his post, Shashi Tharoor said the trend presents a major opportunity for Opposition parties, urging them to harness the growing mood among young people and make stronger efforts to attract the country’s youth to their own political platforms. “This is an opportunity that the Opposition must seize," the Congress MP said. Also Read: Two Trademark Applications Filed For ‘Cockroach Janata Party’, Abhijeet Dipke Not Among Applicants All About Cockroach Janta Party The 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." The platform was launched by Abhijeet Dipke, who identifies himself as the “Founding President" of the “Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP). Its website clearly states in the footer that the initiative is intended as satire. 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, 10:45 IST News india 'Seize The Opportunity': Shashi Tharoor's Advice To Opposition Amid Cockroach Janata Party Frenzy 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...