“I Am an Honorary Cockroach”: Sonam Wangchuk Backs CJP, Calls for Youth Voice Amid Curbs

The ongoing controversy surrounding the satirical online platform “Cockroach Janata Party” (CJP) has sparked a wider national debate on digital dissent, after Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara said police had independently decided to deny permission for a proposed public programme linked to the group in Bengaluru.

Parameshwara stated that law and order considerations and an assessment of the organisers and intent guided the police decision. He stressed that authorities routinely evaluate large gatherings before granting approval and act independently based on security concerns. Bengaluru Police had already warned the public against participating in or circulating messages related to a planned “peaceful human chain” near Town Hall on May 24, clarifying that no permission had been granted and no official application was received. The X account of CJP has also reportedly been withheld in India, intensifying discussions around the handling of online satire and digital movements.

Amid this backdrop, environmentalist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk publicly expressed support for the movement, describing himself as an “honorary cockroach.” Speaking to PTI, he said the campaign should not be seen as a threat but as a creative form of democratic feedback reflecting youth frustration over issues such as unemployment, paper leaks and accountability .

Wangchuk said the government should “hear the message rather than suppress the messenger,” comparing the movement to political cartoons and satire used in newspapers. He added that young people were choosing non violent digital expression instead of street protests, and warned that restricting such voices could deepen frustration. Drawing parallels with unrest in other countries, he said suppressing online spaces risks pushing anger into more disruptive forms.

The activist further urged authorities to treat such expressions as feedback for reform, while also appealing to youth to remain peaceful. “Do not push them,” he said, emphasizing that both government and citizens must avoid escalation.

Together, the developments highlight a growing tension between state regulation of public order and the expanding role of satire driven digital activism, which is increasingly becoming a channel for youth expression in India.