The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), an Instagram handle, is celebrating what it considers its biggest political achievement so far.
Following sustained student protests, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. CJP supporters believe their campaign and on ground movement played a significant role in bringing about that outcome.
For a movement that began on social media, influencing national political developments has given its members tremendous confidence. They see it as proof that a digital movement can come on to roads and can create real political impact.
With this success behind them, the obvious question is what comes next. CJP is now expected to take up several other public issues.
However, a key question remains. Will its protests be directed only at the Central government and BJP-ruled states, or will they also target governments led by other political parties like Congress and its allies?
Will CJP question Congress governments in states like Telangana and Karnataka? Will it raise issues in Kerala under the Congress government or in Tamil Nadu under the TVK with Congress as its ally?
The answer to these questions will determine how the movement is viewed by the public. Its future credibility depends on maintaining a balanced approach.
If CJP continues to focus only on the Central government or BJP administrations, many BJP supporters are likely to see it as a political campaign rather than a citizens' movement.
That perception could trigger a strong political response. The BJP may portray CJP as an organization working for regime change instead of public welfare.
Such a narrative could even end up benefiting the BJP politically. The party could use it to rally its supporters and strengthen its position ahead of future elections.
On the other hand, if CJP raises public issues regardless of which party is in power, it can establish itself as a genuine movement committed to accountability and good governance.
As CJP enters its next phase, its biggest test will be consistency. Whether it questions every government equally or limits its focus to selected targets will reveal its true intentions. Only time will provide the answer.
Madhunandan Akkishetty
