Shiv Sena demands NIA probe into 'Cockroach Janata Party' Instagram surge
Synopsis
Shiv Sena has escalated the 'Cockroach Janata Party' controversy by demanding an NIA investigation into how a digital satire account built 15 million Instagram followers — and whether it signals a coordinated attempt to destabilise India along the lines of recent Gen-Z uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh. The demand also names Rahul Gandhi as someone the NIA should 'look into', raising the political temperature sharply.
Key Takeaways
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde demanded an NIA probe into the 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) on 22 May .
The CJP has amassed 15 million followers on Instagram; Hegde questioned whether this growth is organised.
Hegde drew comparisons to Gen-Z-led uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh , raising fears of similar unrest in India.
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi was named by Hegde as someone the NIA should 'look into', without a direct allegation.
Hegde welcomed MCOCA action against cow smugglers in Maharashtra and condemned Humayun Kabir's remarks on Bakrid animal sacrifice.
The CJP emerged following controversy over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks during a 15 May court hearing.
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde on Friday, 22 May demanded a National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the rapid rise of the digital-only political satire outfit 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP), which has amassed 15 million followers on Instagram. Hegde questioned whether the account's viral growth represents an organised attempt to foment unrest in India, drawing comparisons to Gen-Z-led uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh.
The NIA Demand
Speaking to reporters, Hegde said: 'An NIA inquiry should be initiated about how the Cockroach Janata Party secured 15 million followers on Instagram. Is there an attempt to spread anarchy in the country? There should be an investigation into this.' He further stated that the operators of the CJP's Instagram and X accounts should also be brought under scrutiny.
Notably, Hegde also raised the question of whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had any connection to the outfit, saying the NIA should 'look into this' — though he stopped short of making a direct allegation. The CJP emerged as a viral satirical movement following controversy over remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing on 15 May.
Cow Smuggling and MCOCA Action
Separately, Hegde welcomed the Maharashtra government's invocation of the Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) against cow smugglers in the state. He said the government had decided to take 'strict action' against those involved in cow smuggling and announced that check posts would be established on state borders. He added that the Border Security Force (BSF) would be requested to act against offenders.
Remarks on Bakrid and West Bengal
Hegde also condemned a statement by Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) chief Humayun Kabir, who reportedly warned the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led West Bengal government — headed by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari — that any attempt to prohibit ritual animal sacrifice on Bakrid would not be accepted by the Muslim community. Hegde said: 'You have the right to practise your religion but don't have any right to hurt the sentiments of other religions.' He called on the West Bengal government to take action against Kabir.
Viksit Bharat 2047 Roadmap
On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's push for 'Ease of Living and Business' reforms discussed at a recent Council of Ministers' meeting, Hegde said India has a 'clear roadmap and blueprint' for achieving the Viksit Bharat 2047 goal. He noted that all government departments have been assigned specific targets, budgets, and responsibilities, with Modi personally reviewing ministerial progress.
Point of View
Where social media-fuelled protests toppled governments, signals that ruling-coalition allies are treating viral satire as a national security variable, not a free-speech one. Naming Rahul Gandhi without evidence is a familiar political manoeuvre, but attaching it to an NIA demand elevates the stakes. The deeper question mainstream coverage is sidestepping: at what follower count does satire become a law-enforcement concern, and who decides?
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 'Cockroach Janata Party' and why is it controversial?
The 'Cockroach Janata Party' (CJP) is a digital-only political satire outfit that went viral after controversy erupted over Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks during a court hearing on 15 May. It has since accumulated 15 million Instagram followers, prompting Shiv Sena to demand an NIA investigation into its origins and funding.
Why is Shiv Sena demanding an NIA probe into the CJP?
Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde claims the rapid growth of the CJP's social media presence may reflect an organised attempt to spread unrest in India, similar to Gen-Z-led uprisings in Nepal and Bangladesh. He has asked the NIA to investigate the account operators and whether any political figure, including Rahul Gandhi, is involved.
Has Rahul Gandhi been formally accused in connection with the CJP?
No formal accusation has been made. Hegde said the NIA should 'look into' whether Gandhi is involved — a statement framed as a question for investigation rather than a direct allegation. Gandhi's party, the Indian National Congress, has not been mentioned in any official complaint.
What is MCOCA and why was it invoked against cow smugglers in Maharashtra?
The Maharashtra Control of Organised Crime Act (MCOCA) is a stringent state law targeting organised criminal networks. Hegde said the Maharashtra government has invoked it against cow smugglers and plans to set up border check posts, with the BSF also to be asked to act against offenders.
What did Humayun Kabir say about Bakrid, and why did Shiv Sena respond?
Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir reportedly warned the BJP-led West Bengal government that any move to prohibit ritual animal sacrifice on Bakrid would not be accepted by the Muslim community. Hegde condemned the remarks and called on the West Bengal government to take action against Kabir for allegedly hurting Hindu religious sentiments.
