By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: State BJP spokesperson M Kharkrang has dismissed the anonymous digital movement known as the “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP), describing it as a social media phenomenon with little potential to become a credible political force.
Reacting to the recent online buzz, Kharkrang stated that the BJP does not view the CJP as a serious political development. “We do not know who the people behind this so-called party are. Just because people subscribe to a social media page does not mean they will contest elections or become a force to be reckoned with,” he said.
He termed the movement a “knee-jerk reaction” to recent political events, adding that it lacks the organisational foundation of a genuine political movement. “I don’t see anything substantial here. It appears to be a reaction to certain statements, but nothing more,” Kharkrang added.
Rejecting suggestions that the popularity of such anonymous movements reflects a failure of mainstream parties to connect with the youth, Kharkrang asserted that young people in Meghalaya remain active participants in the democratic process.
“I totally disagree with that. Governments have consistently tried to engage with the youth. We have seen young people contest and win elections. There is no question of them being sidelined,” he said.
On concerns that anonymous social media mobilisation could undermine public trust, the BJP leader maintained that India’s democratic institutions are robust. “People will always prefer established political parties with clear ideologies over platforms built around a single issue,” he said.
Kharkrang urged the youth to use existing democratic avenues to express dissent rather than resorting to anonymous online campaigns. “A country cannot be run on social media. Our youth are educated enough to understand this and make the right decisions,” he added.
The CJP has recently gained traction among sections of the state’s youth by highlighting issues such as transparency, accountability, and unemployment. The movement has also called for real-time public monitoring of government expenditure, though its anonymous leadership has led to debates over its legitimacy.
