Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has certainly gained considerable importance at various levels within less than a month of its formation. It was formed on May 16, following a comment by Indian Chief Justice in which he compared the unemployed Indian youth with cockroaches. Angered by this comment, certain young persons decided to form this party. The key founder Abhijeet Dipke was then in United States. Soon the party organized a protest movement at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi (June 7). The protest attracted participation of more a thousand people, which may be viewed as remarkable, considering the party had just been formed. 
It is possible, if the party had not used the word- Cockroach, it may not have gained such popularity in a short time. If instead, the word- lizard, ant, unemployed or some other word was used, in all probability, the party would not have gained this importance. The issue is as to what is so significant or specific about the term as well as specie – cockroach- that its usage has led the party named after it gain greater success than probably expected. Perhaps, the justification linked with anger at young, unemployed being described as cockroaches is the key reason for sudden popularity gained by it. Chances of other terms having the same impact may be considered as extremely limited. 
With due respect to concern being voiced about the possibility of this party being linked with right-winged saffron-brigade, of which Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is the political wing, the possibility can certainly not be ruled out. Neither can other possibilities. However, as yet it is too early to consider the party only from these angles. What bears greater importance is that India is faced with problem of unemployment, including crises affecting the educated unemployed, under-employed, under-paid and so forth. If this were not a hard-reality, in all probability, CJP would not have been formed. 
Considering that India is home to numerous political parties, formation of one more maybe viewed as just another addition to this pattern. However, that the party is being viewed as a “success” within less a month of its formation bears its own significance. What also cannot be ignored is substantial coverage accorded to this party by Indian as well as international media. Often, even established parties fail to receive such impressive coverage.  At the same time, it cannot be denied that media coverage cannot always be totally and completely relied upon. In the case of CJP, media is certainly giving it greater coverage than expected along with a few outlets criticizing it. It is possible, the term cockroach has made the party reach this stage. 
There is yet another side to this. The impression has been created that the party is heading a revolution. Perhaps, it may head one soon in the coming days. The party cannot be linked with any revolution for a considerable period of time, till millions turn out supporting it. The June 7 protest certainly attracted around more than a thousand supporters but not millions or even several thousand. Besides, officially the party has around 1.2 million registered members. These do not constitute even a percentage of the country’s population. Given that the party has just begun, prospects of its membership increasing in the coming days cannot be dismissed. Hundreds gathered for its protest in Pune, Maharashtra (June 11) too. The party has launched a nation-wide protest movement which is expected to cover several cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Amritsar, Bengaluru and conclude in New Delhi on June 20.  
 
Steps taken by party leaders  as well as nature of people’s response in the coming days may give a better idea of what is CJP headed for. Dipke, the key founder of this party, was earlier a member of Aam Admi Party (AAP). Though CJP’s X account has more than 200,000 followers, the same strength is not visible on ground within India. This partly explains the number of supporters seen at Jantar Mantar on June 7. Nevertheless, it’s Instagram account exceeds 10 million followers, exceeding that of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has roughly 8.7 million Instagram followers. With Narendra Modi as Prime Minister, BJP heads the Indian coalition government at present with support of some allies. 
CJP certainly has good command at what can excite interest and attract media coverage. It is to be watched as to how does this actually help it to establish itself politically. The party has to register itself with the Indian Election Commission. Prospects of it being permitted to use Cockroach as its election symbol are extremely limited. New and unrecognized parties are expected to choose from list of free symbols which Indian Election Commission has. Cockroach is not listed in its free symbols. The party can certainly request for a new symbol. But the request must not depict a bird or animal.  
Paradoxically, where Indian politics is concerned, it seems actual cockroaches have limited reach. Now, where the question of political reach of CJP and its members is concerned, this is not likely to be decided only because of the masks of cockroaches these have chosen to use. From one angle, that the party has reached this stage, some credit should be given to prevalence of democratic values in India. The party is confident of making its impact. One of its key demands is resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on account of around 10 million students having suffered because of scams linked with several examinations. If he doesn’t resign, the party plans to hold nation-wide protests. Here it may be noted, demand for his resignation has also been voiced by opposition parties and student unions. 
Till this party surfaced, people were largely familiar with cockroaches as insects and also sprays being advertised to kill them. CJP has certainly led to cockroach assume larger than life images through their masks and campaigns. Now, one is tempted to reflect on where does this push sprays targeting them? Perhaps, nothing can be said as yet. 
So far, CJP has succeeded in making its voice heard. The party is certainly sending signals of its aim to make an electoral entry. The party plans to retain its independence and not be aligned with any party. Its future is likely to be shaped not just by crowds its protests attract but more significantly the degree to which its supporters choose to use their electoral prowess. CJP has made its mark to this point and will continue doing so as a part of its campaign. Now, when and if CJP members contest polls, it is to be watched as to how far do people choose to support them through their votes!