NEW DELHI (MNN); A viral social media account highlighting the concerns of India’s younger generation has come under pressure after rapidly gaining millions of followers online, with its founder alleging hacking attempts, account restrictions and threats against his family.
The satirical account, Cockroach Janta Party, attracted more than 22 million followers on Instagram within days, becoming a major online platform for young Indians voicing concerns over unemployment, exam paper leaks and governance issues.
Its founder, Abhijeet Dipke, said the group’s website had been taken down, its X account was withheld in India, its Instagram page was compromised and his family had received threats.
Authorities have not publicly confirmed any action against the group’s website or social media accounts. India’s Home Ministry and Information Technology Ministry have not commented on the allegations.
The rapid rise of the account has drawn attention as it reflects growing frustration among India’s Gen Z over employment opportunities, exam-related controversies and broader governance concerns, despite recent electoral gains by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Digital rights organisation Internet Freedom Foundation criticised the reported restriction of the X account, calling it an arbitrary move against freedom of expression.
Responding to the controversy, federal minister Kiren Rijiju dismissed criticism surrounding the account and said he had sympathy for those seeking followers from outside India.
In response, Dipke shared audience data from the Instagram account, saying more than 94 per cent of its followers are based in India. He also questioned why Indian youth engaging with the platform were being politically labelled.
A survey by polling agency CVoter found that the concerns raised by the account resonated strongly with younger Indians. More than 60 per cent of respondents aged 18 to 24 said they felt anxious about their future.
Many respondents said the account reflected widespread frustration over unemployment and repeated exam paper leak scandals, including a recent medical entrance examination affecting around 2.3 million candidates.
Official data shows urban youth unemployment in India stands at around 14 per cent, significantly higher than the national unemployment rate of about five per cent.
The survey also found that a majority of respondents opposed any state action to block such online platforms.
Activist and lawyer Prashant Bhushan said the movement could gain wider influence if it extends beyond social media into grassroots organisation and public mobilisation.
