Ex-Keralam CM Vijayan slams Centre after Cockroach Janata Party's X handle withheld

'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP) started as a social media trend after Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant's "cockroach" remark against people with fake law degrees. Soon, it gained traction and millions of followers on social media.

X account @CJP_2029 was withheld in India, according to X, "in response to a legal demand."

In a statement, Vijayan asked if the BJP was afraid of the large-scale protest movement. He said that the traction to the CJP reflects dissatisfaction towards the existing political environment in the country.

Vijayan said, "The Central government's move to block the X account of the youth collective 'Cockroach Janata Party' reflects intolerance towards democratic protests. It also exposes concerns over whether this could grow into a larger political protest movement. Why is the BJP so afraid? This platform quickly gained more public attention and acceptance than the BJP's official propaganda machinery. The fact that unemployed and neglected youth were drawn towards this sudden protest reflects deep dissatisfaction with the existing social and political situation."

He added that the attempt to eliminate a youth protest movement goes against the spirit of democratic India and constitutional values.

The CPI(M) Polit Bureau member said, "The protest against the term 'cockroaches' should not be dismissed as just an emotional reaction. It reflects the intensity of a strong political response against a system marked by unemployment, inequality and exploitation. The fear that this sentiment could spread further is what is driving the Central government to suppress democratic voices."

"People may disagree with a political idea or form of protest. However, trying to eliminate a youth protest movement that is exercising its constitutional rights to freedom of expression and association by misusing laws or administrative powers goes against the spirit of democratic India and constitutional values. I strongly condemn the Central government's action. I urge all those who believe in democracy and freedom of expression to raise strong protests against this move," the statement read. (ANI)