Cockroach Janta Party Back on Instagram

Founder Abhijeet Dipke says the campaign will continue despite account restrictions, takedowns and hacking claims linked to its online platforms.

Roshan Shrestha
Roshan Shrestha
Cockroach Janta Party campaign graphic featuring a cockroach symbol and crowd silhouettes
Cockroach Janta Party Instagram account returns.

India’s satirical political campaign Cockroach Janta Party has resurfaced after days of account restrictions, takedowns and hacking claims targeting its online platforms. Founder Abhijeet Dipke announced on Saturday that the campaign had regained access to its Instagram account, calling it another step in a larger fight against what supporters describe as digital suppression of political criticism.

Posting on X, Dipke wrote, “We are back on Instagram! Have recovered the account.” He also suggested that pressure against the campaign was continuing but insisted online restrictions would not stop the movement.

In another post, he wrote that “accounts can be hacked, restricted or removed, but movements cannot be hacked,” saying the campaign was reorganising and preparing to return “on another level.”

Campaign Grew Rapidly During NEET Row

Cockroach Janta Party gained traction across Indian social media over the past few days through satirical political content, criticism of the government and posts reflecting frustration among young people. Much of the momentum appeared to build after the NEET entrance examination paper leak controversy triggered anger among students and job-seeking youth.

Dipke claimed nearly one million people had joined the campaign through its website before it was taken down. He also said more than 600,000 people had supported an online petition demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Accounts Withheld And Backup Pages Removed

Earlier, Cockroach Janta Party’s X account had been withheld inside India. A new account was later launched. Dipke then claimed his personal Instagram account had also been hacked, while several backup pages connected to the campaign were temporarily removed as well.

The return of the Instagram account has again energised supporters online. The campaign has repeatedly used the slogan “Cockroaches never die,” which supporters have framed as a symbol of resistance against censorship and digital restrictions.

What initially appeared to be online satire is now being viewed by many as part of a wider debate in India around digital censorship, political dissent and control over social media platforms.

Roshan Shrestha

Written by Roshan Shrestha

Roshan Shrestha is a Nepali investigative journalist and founder of Khoj Samachar, covering corruption, transparency, and public-interest issues.