Vice President's 'Youngsters Will Follow The Cockroach' Warning To Media Vice President C P Radhakrishnan warned on Sunday that young people risk being influenced by negative narratives if media fails to highlight positive developments, using the metaphor of the "cockroach" to reference the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Speaking at the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Malayalam daily Deepika, Radhakrishnan emphasized the need for constructive journalism to guide society and foster public confidence. He argued that without balanced reporting, youth could be swayed by fleeting controversies rather than meaningful progress. Radhakrishnan stressed that media must prioritize coverage of achievements and role models to shape the mindset of the younger generation. "Positive activities should be reported well. Only then will youngsters receive the right information. Otherwise, they will lose interest and end up following the 'cockroach,'" he said. The vice president linked this call to India's broader development goals, noting that the nation's progress under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership requires collective societal effort. The reference to the "cockroach" drew attention to the CJP, a satirical social media account that gained traction after a controversy involving Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The CJI had made remarks about "cockroaches" and "parasites" during a court hearing, which were later clarified as criticism of individuals entering the legal profession through fraudulent means. The CJP evolved from a meme-based satire into a platform addressing issues like unemployment, exam leaks, and education, sparking debates on digital dissent and youth frustration.#deepika #vice_president_cp_radhakrishnan #vd_satheesan #cockroach_janata_party #rajendra_vishwanath_arlekar
Environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday (May 23, 2026) expressed support for the online "cockroach" movement led by the self-styled "Cockroach Janata Party" (CJP), describing himself as an "honorary cockroach" and urging the government to engage with youth concerns rather than suppress their digital expression. The movement, which uses satire and the cockroach as a symbol of resilience and dissent, has gained attention amid claims of a crackdown on its social media presence, including account suspensions and hacking allegations. The campaign frames itself around issues like unemployment, exam paper leaks, and demands for public accountability. Wangchuk, in an interview with PTI, emphasized that the movement should be viewed as democratic feedback rather than a threat. "I am very impressed," Wangchuk told PTI. "Such creative expressions by our youth are nothing to worry about. The government should take the message — don't kill the messenger. If we kill the messenger, the message will not end." When asked if he would formally join the movement, he humorously declined, stating he does not qualify for membership but identifies with its message. "I have been asked from several quarters to speak on it. Some are saying I should also become a member," he said. "I think I do not qualify — I am neither unemployed nor am I lazy. So sadly, I am not a member. But I consider myself an honorary cockroach," he added. Wangchuk drew a parallel between the movement and political satire in newspapers, arguing that dissent expressed through humor and symbolism is a legitimate democratic tool. He praised the movement's non-violent and imaginative character, noting that Indian youth have opted for digital creativity over confrontation.#unemployment #pti #sonam_wangchuk #cockroach_janata_party #public_accountability
