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Makhi Janata Party joins anti-Modi protests

Published : Sunday, 18 October, 2026 at 8:39 AM

Observer Online Report

A new political satire group, the ‘Makhi Janata Party’ (MJP), has joined the protest movement in India, following the emergence of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ (CJP).

The new group has gained significant attention on social media, adding a fresh dimension to anti-Modi protests and sparking widespread discussion and curiosity.

The satirical initiative emerged on social media following a remark by Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant. Inspired by his comment that a hammer should not be used to kill a fly, the group established its platform on Instagram. Within just 72 hours of its launch, the account had garnered more than four million views and over 330,000 followers.

The Makhi Janata Party has said on Instagram that it is in contact with the Cockroach Janata Party to explore the possibility of jointly organising programmes. The MJP has also issued two separate statements, expressing support for protester Neha Bora at Jantar Mantar and strongly criticising the police detention of two senior CJP leaders.

The Makhi Janata Party (MJP) is an Instagram-based satirical platform. Digital records show that the account was created in June 2021 but became active under the username ‘makhijantaparty.ig’ after changing its name at least eight times. A student named Aaryan has identified himself as the organisation’s founder and president. The group recently published a notice seeking a spokesperson.

On October 9, the Supreme Court heard a petition challenging sweeping restrictions on internet services, metro and train operations in the capital ahead of the CJP’s proposed Delhi shutdown on October 10.

During the hearing, a bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant made strong observations, stating that public transport could be regulated for security reasons, but the entire system could not be brought to a standstill. He remarked that “a hammer should not be used to kill a fly.”

The MJP has used the chief justice’s remark as the basis for its campaign. In a social media post, the group said, “When the Chief Justice himself has said that a hammer should not be used to kill a fly, the fly has now risen up to declare that it is no less than anyone else.”

In May, during a hearing, the Supreme Court had reportedly compared a section of unemployed young people to cockroaches. The remark led to the emergence of the satirical protest movement known as the Cockroach Janata Party. The platform subsequently grew significantly and organised protests at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in examinations, amid which Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan faced demands to resign.

Recently, the CJP called for a gathering at Jantar Mantar on October 10 to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, Delhi Police revoked permission for the protest, citing the failure to apply at least 10 days in advance and concerns over discipline. Police subsequently sealed off the entire Jantar Mantar area.

Expressing solidarity with All India Students’ Association (AISA) leader Neha Bora and her democratic struggle, the MJP issued a public statement. At the same time, it urged protesters to act responsibly and within the law.

On Tuesday, CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurabh Das were detained over allegations that they forcibly entered Jantar Mantar and raised the Indian national flag.

Strongly condemning their detention, the MJP questioned the restrictions on protest, stating, “If people are not allowed to speak even at a designated protest site like Jantar Mantar, what does democracy mean? Democracy requires dialogue, not distance.”

Source: The Indian Express

-MT