New Delhi: Following the recent media storm surrounding the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), former Supreme Court Justice Markandey Katju has announced the creation of his own political outfit: the "Ishq Karo Party" (IKP). Far from being a satirical venture, Katju insists the new party is a deadly serious initiative aimed at confronting India's deep-rooted issues of poverty, widespread unemployment, and childhood malnutrition.


Unity over romance: Katju clears air

Recognising that the name might raise eyebrows, Justice Katju took to social media platform X to clarify the party's true intent. He noted that while observers might mistake the IKP for a lighthearted "Valentine's Day style" romance movement, its actual core philosophy is rooted in social unity. According to Katju, the critical crises facing India can only be eradicated if the population unites across traditional divides.
 

In a public move to build momentum, Katju also extended an invitation to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra to join the newly formed IKP.


Clash with Cockroach Janata Party founder

Katju's recent online activity has been heavily focused on dismantling the ideology of the Cockroach Janata Party and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke. The CJP, which recently staged its first major physical protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on June 6, has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over recent NTA exam controversies, including the NEET lapses.

Katju openly criticized this strategy on X, calling the demand short-sighted. "The proof that Abhijit Dipke is an idiot is clear from the fact that one of his principal demands is for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, India's Education Minister. But if he resigns he will only be replaced by another Minister. Then what difference will it make?"


INDIA bloc takes notice of the 'Cockroach' phenomenon

While Katju dismisses the CJP, mainstream political leaders are beginning to take the online movement seriously. The grassroots party became an unexpected talking point at a recent INDIA bloc opposition meeting.

While some opposition leaders expressed skepticism regarding the real political motives and the origins of the CJP's massive digital footprint, others viewed it as a genuine reflection of youth anger in India. National Conference leader Omar Abdullah reportedly defended the movement's impact during the meeting, noting that the Cockroach Janata Party is clearly "doing something right" and advising mainstream opposition parties to actively engage with them.