CPM condemns ban on Cockroach Janta Party, accuses BJP of intolerance

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) had condemned the ban on the social media handles of the Cockroach Janta Party and the attack on its creator Abhijeet Dipke, saying that the online expression by CJP was a reflection of the growing frustration of youth grappling with issues like unemployment and lack of opportunities in higher education.

The CPI(M) in a statement after its Central Committee meeting from May 22 to 24 cited the govt clampdown on CJP to say, “this once again demonstrates the authoritarian character of the BJP and its refusal to tolerate dissent.”

“The huge online support for the CJP reflects the prevailing discontent against the BJP government on issues such as unemployment. Instead of addressing the genuine concerns of the youth, the government is branding ‘cockroaches’ too as anti-national, once again showing its face of intolerance,” the Left party said.

The CJP, a satirical political movement founded on May 16 emerged in response to remarks made by chief justice of India, Surya Kant a day earlier.

Responding to a question on whether the movement could have a wider impact on Indian politics, CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby said the phenomenon needed to be studied with all seriousness as it reflected changing forms of political expression in the younger generation to register their protest.

The original X handle of the CJP was withheld in India on May 21 following a legal demand.