BJP says 'Cockroach Janata Party' bid to destabilise India, seeks NIA probe

NEW DELHI: Kerala BJP President, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, on Saturday alleged that the so-called Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was part of a "cross-border influence operation" aimed at destabilising India, as the BJP demanded an investigation by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) into the satirical social media campaign.

In a post on X, Chandrasekhar described the emergence of the CJP as a coordinated influence campaign targeting both India and the government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"The Cockroach Janata Party gambit is yet another classic cross-border 'influence operation' targeting India and PM Narendra Modi's govt -- designed by vested interests to destabilise India - helped along by elements in our Opposition," Chandrasekhar claimed.

He further warned about the growing use of Artificial Intelligence, bots and social media platforms in shaping narratives and influencing public opinion.

"In the age of social media, bots, AI and its weaponisation, influence operations are dangerous, effective ways to DESTABILISE by building fake, seemingly organic narratives," he stated.

The BJP leader said he had consistently maintained that India's economic growth and modernisation under PM Modi would invite resistance from several quarters internationally.

"I have always maintained, India's rise and its modernisation under PM Narendra Modi will be resented by many countries, and there will be many hurdles created for our continued rise," he added.

Referring to global crises in recent years, Chandrasekhar said India had managed to remain resilient despite multiple international challenges.

"Starting with Covid, world economies, even the biggest ones including India, have had to face major challenges -- pandemic, Russia-Ukraine war, US-Iran war, energy shocks, Chinese aggression -- but through all these crises, PM Modi has kept all Indians protected, safe and resilient and kept our economy growing," he said.

Calling it a reflection of "true leadership", Chandrasekhar asserted that no campaign or vested interest could weaken the country's collective resolve.

"No cockroach, no petty Indian Opposition politician, no Modi-hater, no foreign vested interest can derail our collective resolve to build a better future for all Indians," the Kerala BJP chief added.

The CJP emerged earlier this month as a satirical political campaign reportedly founded by political communications strategist Dipke, who had earlier worked with the AAP.

The campaign gained significant traction on social media following controversy over remarks allegedly made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant against unemployed individuals during a court hearing.

The remarks triggered criticism online, particularly among younger social media users, leading to the rapid spread of the satirical campaign.

However, the Chief Justice later clarified that his observations were specifically directed at those obtaining "fake and bogus degrees" and not at legitimate legal professionals.