సీజేపీ వంటి కొత్త ఉద్యమాల వైపు యువత ఎందుకు ఆకర్షితులవుతున్నారు?

Why young Indians are drawn to new political movements like CJP

More than half of India's population is under the age of thirty-five. We are one of the youngest countries in the world. Yet, the number of young people represented in Parliament and assemblies is low. This gap gives rise to a new movement every few years. The latest example is the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which went viral in 2026.

Examples from the past

Such attempts are not new. In the Telugu states, in 2006, former IAS officer Jayaprakash Narayan founded the "Lok Satta" party. The party gained popularity among the educated youth and middle class. In 2009, he won as an MLA from Kukatpally. But the party could not expand in electoral politics.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) emerged from the 2011 national anti-corruption movement in 2012. It came to power in Delhi and later formed a government in Punjab. It is a rare example of a movement turning into a party and then a party turning into a government.

Why are young people attracted?

1. Job anxiety: Inability to find the right job despite degrees, paper leaks in competitive exams, and delays in notifications are increasing extreme impatience among the youth.

2. Language difference: The speeches and posters of traditional parties seem distant to the youth. Memes, satire, short videos are their language. CJP spoke exactly in that language.

3. Boredom over family politics: There is a feeling among the youth that positions in many parties are limited to a few families.

4. Instant sharing: Sharing a post, using a hashtag, instantly gives you the feeling of being part of a movement.

5. Response to Insult: In the case of CJP, the movement was born from a comment that was considered derogatory to the youth. Turning insult into recognition is a very powerful emotion.

Why don't you stay longer?

Historically, many new movements have weakened after a short period of time. Reasons:

• Lack of organizational structure: It is very difficult to convert online followers into booth level activists. To win elections, you need people in every village.

• Lack of clear policies: It is easy to say "what we are against"; it is difficult to detail "what we will do."

• Leadership differences: Splits can occur quickly in movements that have grown rapidly.

• Financial resources: Coping with the cost of elections is a major challenge for new parties.

What the major parties need to learn

Whether the new movement wins or loses, it sends a message — the youth must be listened to. If the main parties do not provide clear plans on issues like jobs, exam transparency, skills training, and mental health, someone else will keep filling the void.

A hint to the youth

Social media outrage is just the beginning. Registering as a voter, voting in every election, attending gram sabhas and ward sabhas on local issues, using the Right to Information Act — these are the paths to real change in a democracy.

Conclusion

Whatever the future of the CJP, it has revealed what is in the minds of a generation. Ignoring that voice is not good for any political system.

Photo: Election Commission of India / Wikimedia Commons (GODL-India)