The founder of India’s rapidly growing Gen Z social media movement, the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP), has alleged that authorities and unknown actors launched a crackdown against the platform after it went viral for criticising unemployment, inflation and governance issues in India. The account’s creator, Abhijeet Dipke, claimed that the group’s website was taken down, its X account was withheld in India, and its Instagram account was compromised.

The satirical movement gained massive popularity among young Indians within days, attracting over 22 million Instagram followers through memes, political humour and commentary focused on the frustrations of India’s Gen Z population. The group describes itself as the “Voice of the Lazy and Unemployed,” highlighting issues such as job shortages, rising living costs and examination paper leaks.

Dipke also alleged that his family received threats following the account’s rapid rise online. However, Reuters reported that it could not independently verify the claims, while India’s home and IT ministries did not publicly respond to requests for comment.

The movement’s popularity reflects growing political engagement among young Indians, particularly Gen Z users increasingly turning to social media platforms to express dissatisfaction over economic uncertainty and employment challenges. A recent Deloitte survey cited by Reuters found that many young Indians are delaying major life decisions due to financial stress and unemployment concerns.