25 May,2026 10:04 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondent
The demonstration featured rap performances, flash mobs and slogans directed against the government. Representational Pic/File
A protest against unemployment, examination paper leaks and rising inflation was organised in Thane on Monday by demonstrators calling themselves members of the 'cockroach movement', reported the PTI.
The protest took place near Masunda Lake and saw participation from youths, activists and workers of Nationalist Congress Party NCP (SP).
The demonstration featured rap performances, flash mobs and slogans directed against the government.
Several young participants expressed frustration over unemployment, lack of opportunities and alleged examination paper leaks.
Some protesters also dressed as Narendra Modi and Giorgia Meloni and distributed Melody chocolates during the agitation, according to the PTI.
The protest drew inspiration from the online trend surrounding the so-called Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical digital movement that recently gained attention on social media.
Addressing the gathering, Jitendra Awhad said the movement reflected growing anger among young people, as per the PTI.
"The youth of the country are frustrated due to unemployment and lack of opportunities. The anger among youngsters is increasing," he said.
Awhad also claimed the term "Cockroach Janta Party" emerged online after remarks attributed to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant regarding unemployed youths.
Among those present at the protest were NCP (SP) district president Manoj Pradhan and youth leader Abhijit Pawar.
Party workers joined demonstrators in raising issues related to employment, inflation and opportunities for young people.
The "cockroach movement" emerged online following controversy over remarks linked to Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant.
On May 16, the CJI issued a clarification stating he was "pained" by media reports suggesting that he had criticised the youth.
The issue has since sparked political debate and social media campaigns across Maharashtra.
Police have deployed round-the-clock security outside the residence of the Cockroach Janata Party founder of Abhijeet Dipke in the MIDC Waluj area of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, a senior official said on Sunday, reported the PTI.
According to officials, the move is intended to manage crowds and maintain order as the Cockroach Janata Party continues to attract widespread attention online.
The Cockroach Janata Party emerged on social media last week and quickly gained popularity through satirical memes, political commentary and online discussions focused on unemployment, examination paper leaks and issues linked to education, the news agency reported.
The movement has generated significant traction across digital platforms, particularly among young social media users engaging with concerns surrounding jobs and academic transparency.
Deputy Commissioner of Police Pankaj Atulkar stated that the security arrangement was precautionary in nature and not connected to any specific threat.
"We have provided general police protection at the residence to prevent overcrowding because the CJP issue is currently trending on social media," Atulkar said, according to the PTI.
He further clarified that no formal complaint regarding threats or intimidation had been received by any police station under his jurisdiction.
(with PTI inputs)
