Lawyer moves to register Cockroach Janta Party separately from US-based founder

A lawyer from Haryana has moved to register the Cockroach Janta Party with the Election Commission in his own name, potentially setting up a dispute over control of the rapidly growing online movement.

Sudhir Jakhar, who describes himself as the party’s national convener, reportedly filed an application with the Election Commission of India under the Representation of the People Act, seeking formal recognition of the outfit separately from founder Abhijeet Dipke.

Jakhar said the move came after Dipke, who is currently studying in the US, allegedly declined requests to return to India and formally convert the online movement into a political party.

The CJP emerged as a viral online phenomenon following remarks by Surya Kant about unemployed youth, with its social media presence expanding rapidly and attracting large-scale engagement.

However, Jakhar’s application reportedly outlines objectives that differ from the group’s original demands, raising questions over the direction and ownership of the movement if the registration process moves forward.