Kerala Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday accused the Centre of showing “intolerance” and “fear” by allegedly blocking the ‘X’ account of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a satirical social media outfit that has rapidly gained traction online.
In a statement, Vijayan said the move reflected the Centre’s anxiety that the digital campaign could evolve into a larger political protest movement.
“Why is the BJP scared of it,” he asked.
The Marxist veteran said the CJP had managed to attract public attention and acceptance far quicker than what he described as the BJP’s official propaganda machinery.
He said young people facing unemployment and neglect were gravitating towards the movement because of growing frustration with the present socio-political climate.
“The fervor of a strong political response against a system full of unemployment, inequality and exploitation can be seen in it. The fear that this sentiment will spread further is leading the central government to take steps to suppress democratic voices,” Vijayan claimed.
DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS DEBATE
Vijayan argued that the movement should not merely be viewed as a reaction to the “cockroaches” remark, but as a wider expression of political anger among the youth.
He said disagreement with political ideas or forms of protest was natural in a democracy, but using laws and administrative mechanisms to silence a youth-led protest violated constitutional principles.
“This action of the central government is strongly condemned. I request all forces that believe in democracy and freedom of expression to strongly protest against this,” he said.
BJP CALLS IT ‘INFLUENCE OPERATION’
While Vijayan condemned the action against the CJP, the BJP has alleged that the satirical campaign was part of a cross-border “influence operation” intended to destabilise India and target Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration.
The controversy has quickly spilled into Kerala’s political landscape, with several young leaders from rival political camps rallying behind the movement.
Newly elected MLAs Abin Varkey, P K Navas, T P Ashrafali and V K Sanoj publicly expressed support for the CJP on Friday.
The movement has also received backing from student leaders, including Students’ Federation of India state president M Sivaprasad.
‘COCKROACHES DON’T DIE’
The ‘X’ account of the Cockroach Janata Party, which emerged only last week and quickly went viral on social media, was withheld in India on Thursday.
Soon after the account was blocked, another handle surfaced online under the name ‘Cockroach is Back’ carrying the tagline: “Cockroaches Don’t Die.”
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With inputs from PTI
