Move over cockroaches: The 'Makhi Janta Party' has landed, and it wants a seat at the table

New Delhi: A fly has joined the political party business, at least on Instagram. The satirical Makhi Janta Party (MJP) has emerged online following Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s “hammer to kill a fly” comment. It is seeking a social media following and possible coordination with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).

The MJP claimed on Tuesday (October 13) that it had crossed 40 lakh views and 3.3 lakh followers on Instagram within 72 hours. Its page identifies a student named Aaryan as its founder and has posted a story inviting people to apply for spokesperson roles.

The account has changed its identity several times before adopting its present name. The page was crated in June 2021 and changed its username eight times before adopting the handle makhijantaparty.ig.

The observation that gave the fly its moment

The MJP traces its name to an oral observation made by the CJI during a hearing on October 9. The bench was hearing a challenge to an administrative decision to shut down public transport across Delhi ahead of a CJP protest planned for October 10.

The court said the authorities could regulate transport for security reasons, but questioned the need to bring the entire system to a halt. “One can regulate but it is completely different to put a halt on everything… you cannot stop everything,” the bench observed. 

It also said the authorities could not use a “hammer to kill a fly (makkhi)”.

The MJP soon turned the analogy into its own slogan. “Jab CJI ne hi kaha - ‘Can’t use hammer to kill a fly!’ ab to makkhi bhi bolegi hum bhi kisi se kum nahi (When the CJI himself says, 'Can't use a hammer to kill a fly!', now even the fly will say that it is no less than anyone else),” read on of the posts on the page. 

It is an obvious nod to the CJP, mirroring how the pressure group itself first built its brand off a court observation. The MJP has since said it is trying to contact the CJP to explore common ground or coordinated action, subject to both sides agreeing.

MJP backs Neha Bora

The MJP has also expressed solidarity with Neha Bora, a member of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), who has been protesting against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a statement on Instagram, the group praised her “courage and determination”. It said that questioning those in authority and demanding accountability were essential parts of democracy.

The MJP also acknowledged that the recent protest had taken place without the required permission from the authorities. It called on citizens to exercise their right to protest responsibly and in accordance with the law.

In a separate statement issued on Tuesday, Aaryan, who described himself as the MJP’s founding president, questioned the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. The two were detained after breaching the designated protest area at Jantar Mantar and hoisting the Indian flag.

The MJP argued that a protest site should allow demonstrators to reach the public and make their views heard. “So what is the point of a protest site if people can’t make their voices heard where it matters?” the statement asked.

“Democracy needs dialogue, not distance,” it added, reiterating the party’s support for peaceful demonstrations, democratic rights and public participation.

The statement shows the MJP’s attempt to establish a place for itself in the debate over protest rights. Its proposed coordination with the CJP could bring the two satirical outfits onto a common platform, though no agreement has been announced.

How the cockroach became a protest symbol

The CJP began as a satirical response to controversy over the use of the word “cockroaches” for a section of youth. Its online identity subsequently became associated with street protests and demands for political accountability.

The movement also featured in demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in July over alleged examination irregularities. Those protests took place as demands mounted for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign. He later stepped down.

The MJP is now seeking attention through a similar blend of satire and public protest. Its Instagram reach and follower count have not been independently verified, while its proposed coordination with the CJP is still at the outreach stage.