Deputy Commissioner-cum-District Election Officer Komal Mittal said the counting centres have been set up for Municipal Corporation Mohali and Municipal Councils of Zirakpur, Dera Bassi, Lalru, Banur, Naya Gaon and Kurali.

She said the entire counting process would be conducted under CCTV and video camera surveillance to ensure transparency and accountability. Entry to the counting centres will be restricted to authorised personnel only.

Sharing details of the counting venues, the Deputy Commissioner said the counting for Municipal Council Banur will be held at the office of Market Committee, Banur, while the counting for Municipal Council Kurali will take place at the Community Hall of the Municipal Council office, Kurali.

For Municipal Council Naya Gaon, the counting centre has been set up at Century Public School, Karoran, while the counting for Municipal Council Zirakpur will be conducted at Community Centre, Chhat.

Similarly, the counting for Municipal Council Dera Bassi will take place at Government College, Dera Bassi, whereas Government Senior Secondary School, Lalru, has been designated as the counting venue for Municipal Council Lalru.

For Municipal Corporation Mohali, counting for wards 1 to 25 will be held at Community Centre, Phase-7, SAS Nagar, while counting for wards 26 to 50 will be conducted at Community Centre, Sector-69, SAS Nagar.

She further said a rehearsal regarding counting arrangements would be conducted on May 28 at 10 am at the designated centres. The counting of votes will commence at 8 am on May 29.

She said all Returning Officers have been directed to strictly follow the guidelines issued by the Punjab State Election Commission to ensure a transparent and fair counting process.

The district police have also been instructed to maintain law and order during the counting process and prevent any unauthorised persons from approaching the counting centres.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to all candidates to appoint their counting agents after coordinating with their respective Returning Officers and ensure that the agents carry valid identity cards.

Honey Singh had met Tarun Chugh to discuss ways to spread awareness against substance abuse among the youth ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled in 2027. However, the meeting did not go down well with Jasbir Jassi, who accused the rapper of promoting alcohol and drug culture through his songs.

Jassi shared a video on Instagram in which he strongly reacted to the meeting. Speaking in Punjabi, the singer said he usually stays away from political matters, but this issue was directly related to Punjab and its youth.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jasbir Jassi (@jassijasbir)

He said he was upset after seeing Tarun Chugh’s social media post about Honey Singh. Without naming any specific songs, Jassi alleged that artists who once glamorised drinking and substance abuse should not now be projected as ambassadors against drugs.

“The people who pushed Punjab’s youth into this situation cannot become the saviours of Punjab,” Jassi said in the video. He also questioned whether political leaders truly understand Punjab’s culture and emotions.

The singer further said people living outside Punjab often fail to understand the state properly. According to him, one celebrity face cannot represent the entire culture of Punjab.

Jassi also said Punjab is like a “treasure” and accused some people of trying to use the state for their own benefit. He warned that Punjab’s silence should not be seen as weakness.

Meanwhile, Honey Singh has openly spoken several times about his own battle with addiction. After meeting Tarun Chugh, the singer said Punjab’s youth and many families were being badly affected because of “chitta” or heroin.

In a video shared online, Honey Singh said he wanted to support efforts to keep Punjab away from drugs. He added that Tarun Chugh was already working on the issue and they discussed spreading awareness among young people.

Honey Singh’s struggle with addiction began during the peak of his career around 2012. After the success of his song Desi Kalakaar, the singer faced mental health issues and substance abuse problems.

In earlier interviews, Honey Singh had admitted that he was addicted to alcohol and drugs and had isolated himself from family and work. He later returned to Delhi for treatment and recovery with the help of doctors and therapists.

After staying away from the music industry for several years, Honey Singh made a comeback in 2023 with Kalaastar, the sequel to Desi Kalakaar. He has also been busy with music tours and recently released his album 51 Glorious Days.

The opposition has strongly attacked the government after the murder of a 17-year-old boy near the Meenakshi Temple in Madurai and the rape and murder of a 10-year-old girl in Coimbatore district.

Opposition corners TVK govt

Former Tamil Nadu BJP president K  Annamalai accused the new government of failing to address serious law and order concerns.

In a post on social media, Annamalai alleged that criminals were operating freely in the state and claimed the TVK government was still in a “celebratory mood” after its election victory instead of focusing on public safety.

He also expressed concern over the safety of women and children in Tamil Nadu and urged the government to take immediate and strict action against crimes.

Udhayanidhi Stalin raises questions

Leader of Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin also criticised the government and questioned whether Tamil Nadu’s law and order situation was worsening.

He referred to multiple recent incidents, including the Sulur murder case, the Madurai killing and other violent crimes, while asking Chief Minister Vijay why the government was remaining silent despite its promises before the elections.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami too questioned the government’s seriousness in handling crimes against women and children.

Controversy over minister’s reaction

The controversy deepened after Tamil Nadu Industries Minister Keerthana declined to answer questions related to the Coimbatore rape and murder case during a media interaction.

Her reaction drew criticism from BJP leaders, who alleged that the minister appeared insensitive while responding to questions about the tragic incident.

Another video that surfaced online showed senior police officials smiling moments before a press briefing related to the case. The visuals triggered criticism from opposition leaders and social media users, who questioned the sensitivity shown by officials during discussions on crimes involving children.

Vijay government cites fast-track justice

Facing criticism, Chief Minister Vijay highlighted a recent fast-tracked Pocso case to defend his government’s approach towards crimes against women and children.

The case involved the rape and murder of a Class 12 student in Thoothukudi district earlier this year. A Pocso court recently awarded double death sentences to the accused after completing the trial within three months.

Vijay said the speedy verdict reflected the government’s commitment to ensuring justice and protecting women and children in the state.

First major test for Vijay govt

The recent incidents have become the first major political and administrative challenge for the TVK government after its impressive electoral debut.

Polling began at 8 am and will continue till 5 pm. Unlike Assembly or Lok Sabha elections, voting in the civic polls is being conducted through ballot papers instead of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs). A total of 7,555 candidates are in the fray in the local body elections being held across the state.

Meanwhile, tension and clashes were reported from several parts of Punjab during the ongoing municipal council elections on Tuesday, with incidents of violence, heated arguments and allegations of bogus voting surfacing from different districts.

Congress Candidate Attacked in Raikot

A major controversy erupted in Raikot after the Congress alleged that supporters of AAP MLA Hakam Singh Thekedaar attacked Congress candidate Jagdev Singh Jagga during polling. According to party leaders, Jagga, who is contesting from Ward Number 4, suffered serious injuries in the assault. He was initially taken to a local hospital but was later referred to Ludhiana’s DMC Hospital after his condition reportedly became critical.

Congress leaders termed the attack “life-threatening” and accused ruling party supporters of trying to intimidate opposition candidates during the elections.

Heated Exchange Between AAP and Congress Workers in Khanna

In Khanna, a verbal clash broke out between supporters of the Congress and AAP soon after voting began in Ward Number 15.

The argument quickly escalated, leading to tension outside the polling station. Police personnel deployed at the spot intervened immediately and managed to control the situation before it turned violent.

Officials warned workers from both sides against disrupting the voting process and asked them to maintain peace near polling booths.

Congress and AAP Supporters Clash in Moga

Another confrontation was reported from Moga’s Ward Number 41, where supporters of Congress and AAP got into an altercation during polling.

The dispute reportedly began over party workers standing near the polling booth and soon escalated into a tense situation. Police stepped in and removed supporters gathered around the booth area to prevent any untoward incident. Authorities increased security in the area following the clash.

AAP MLA, BJP Leaders Face Off in Faridkot

A dramatic confrontation was also witnessed in Faridkot during the civic polls as AAP workers and BJP leaders engaged in a heated argument on the road.

AAP MLA Gurdit Singh Sekhon accused local BJP leader Sunny Brar of violating the model code of conduct. Sekhon alleged that an Army school bus was being used to transport voters to polling booths, which he described as misuse of military-related resources for electoral gains.

A video of the incident has surfaced online showing both groups shouting slogans and arguing near the parked bus. The BJP leader, however, denied wrongdoing.

Uproar Over Alleged Bogus Voting in Barnala

In Barnala, chaos broke out at a polling station in Ward Number 33 over allegations of fake voting. Supporters of AAP candidate Rita Goyal and independent candidate Urmila Devi confronted each other, accusing the rival camp of facilitating bogus votes.

As tensions escalated, heavy police deployment was made at the polling centre to maintain law and order. Security personnel later dispersed supporters gathered near the booth to ensure peaceful polling.

Despite isolated incidents of clashes and tension, voting continued under police supervision in the affected areas. Authorities said strict monitoring was being carried out to prevent disruption during the polls.

Tension at Abohar Polling Booth Over Alleged Bogus Voting Attempt

Tension briefly escalated during polling in Ward Number 31 of Abohar after a youth allegedly attempted to cast a fake vote inside the polling booth.

According to local sources, the youth was stopped by Sachin Sethi, husband of AAP candidate Simran Sethi, who objected to him entering the polling centre. This led to a scuffle between the two inside the premises. The youth was reportedly identified as a resident of Khubban village.

Speaking after meeting senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh on Tuesday, Honey Singh said drug addiction was damaging families and destroying the future of Punjab’s younger generation. He urged youngsters to avoid intoxicants and instead embrace the food and lifestyle Punjab has long been known for. “Punjab is known for milk, curd and ghee, not drugs,” the singer said while addressing the issue.

Honey Singh also announced that he would support efforts aimed at making Punjab drug-free and would work alongside Tarun Chugh in creating awareness among young people about the dangers of substance abuse.

In videos shared after the meeting, Chugh and Honey Singh were seen drinking milk together while delivering a message against drug addiction. Both said Punjab’s identity is linked to courage, strength, spirituality and rich traditions and stressed the need to restore that image.

Tarun Chugh said Honey Singh’s personal journey makes him an influential voice in the fight against drugs. Referring to the singer’s struggle with substance abuse, the BJP leader said Honey Singh’s recovery story could inspire many young people facing similar challenges.

“He reached great heights in his career, then went through a difficult phase because of drugs, and finally rebuilt his life. If he can recover, others can too,” Chugh said.

The BJP leader added that he had requested Honey Singh to actively participate in awareness campaigns and share his experience openly with Punjab’s youth.

Chugh also expressed concern over the growing drug problem in the state and said addiction was harming the social fabric of Punjab. He claimed that narcotics were spreading rapidly and affecting many young lives.

Honey Singh is among the few public figures in the entertainment industry who have spoken openly about their battle with addiction and mental health struggles. The singer had stepped away from the spotlight in 2014 after substance abuse began affecting his physical and emotional health.

Over the years, he has repeatedly spoken about the long recovery process and the impact drugs had on his life and career.

Addressing youngsters, Honey Singh said no one should experiment with drugs, warning that addiction can destroy lives before people realise its consequences. “Do not even go near these substances,” he said, recalling his own difficult experience.

The anti-drug message comes at a time when political parties in Punjab have intensified discussions around substance abuse ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. The BJP has been highlighting the issue prominently in its outreach programmes across the state.

The MLAs, Maragatham Kumaravel, Jayakumar and Sathyabama, submitted their resignations to Assembly Speaker JCD Prabhakar, who accepted them. All three leaders were earlier part of the rebel group within the AIADMK that had extended support to the ruling TVK government after the Assembly elections.

Kumaravel had won from Maduranthakam, while Sathyabama and Jayakumar were elected from Dharapuram and Perundurai, respectively. The Dharapuram and Perundurai seats are considered strong areas for the AIADMK in western Tamil Nadu. After resigning, the three MLAs met TVK minister Aadhav Arjuna.

Earlier this month, 25 rebel AIADMK MLAs had voted in favour of the TVK government during the floor test, going against the party leadership led by Edappadi K Palaniswami.

However, five rebel MLAs later returned to the AIADMK camp, reducing the strength of the rebel group. With the latest resignations, the number of MLAs in the rebel faction has now dropped further.

In the recent Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, the AIADMK won 47 seats, while TVK emerged as the single-largest party with 108 seats. TVK later formed the government with support from Congress, IUML, VCK and Left parties.

Meanwhile, senior AIADMK leader SP Velumani recently said that there was no plan to split the party and reaffirmed support for Palaniswami’s leadership. He also said the party’s main goal was to bring back the “Amma rule” associated with former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.

A Bench headed by the CJI, along with Justices Joymalya Bagchi and VM Pancholi, observed that there was “no such grave urgency” in the matter and said the petitions would be taken up through the regular process.

The issue reached the top court after advocates mentioned two PILs seeking intervention over the online campaign that erupted following controversial oral observations made during an earlier hearing.

During Monday’s proceedings, advocate NK Goswami argued that the social media trend was damaging the image of the judiciary. Responding to the concern, the CJI remarked, “Don’t take it so sentimentally.”

How the controversy began

The controversy traces back to a recent Supreme Court hearing involving allegations of fake law degrees and concerns surrounding senior advocate designations.

During the exchange, CJI Surya Kant strongly criticised individuals allegedly entering the legal profession through forged credentials. While making observations on institutional attacks and social media campaigns, he reportedly used terms such as “parasites of society” and compared certain elements to “cockroaches.”

Soon after clips and quotes from the hearing surfaced online, many users interpreted the remarks as an insult directed at unemployed youth. Social media platforms quickly exploded with criticism, memes and satire.

Amid the backlash, the CJI later clarified that his comments were aimed only at those using “fake and bogus degrees” to enter professions and not at unemployed youngsters in general.

Rise of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’

The controversy unexpectedly gave birth to a viral internet movement — the “Cockroach Janta Party” (CJP). Started by social media creator Abhijeet Dipke, the satirical campaign positioned itself as the “voice of the lazy and unemployed.” What initially appeared to be a meme trend soon evolved into a larger online protest attracting frustrated young Indians speaking about unemployment, inflation, governance and political privilege.

Within days, the movement gained massive traction on Instagram and other platforms through humorous political posters, parody manifestos and exaggerated campaign slogans. Its viral popularity has now pushed the issue into legal and political discussions.

PILs seek probe and action

One of the petitions filed in the Supreme Court sought a CBI investigation into alleged fake advocates and fraudulent law degrees. It also raised objections to the monetisation and circulation of courtroom observations on social media platforms.

Another PIL specifically targeted activities associated with the Cockroach Janta Party movement, alleging misuse of court remarks for online campaigns.

However, the Supreme Court made it clear that the matter did not require immediate intervention.

O’Brien said both Mamata and Abhishek are focused on strengthening the party after the recent West Bengal poll setback. Along with discussing party matters, the two leaders also expressed their liking and support for the “Cockroaches”, referring to the online movement.

The Cockroach Janta Party was started by Boston-based Abhijeet Dipke and quickly became popular on social media through memes and satire. The movement began after controversial remarks linked to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sparked outrage online. Many users felt unemployed youth were being compared to “cockroaches”, leading the group to adopt the symbol as a form of protest.

The group has recently raised issues related to the education system, including the alleged NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Dipke recently claimed that several social media accounts linked to the movement were restricted or suspended. The group’s original X account was withheld in India, but it later returned with a new handle called “Cockroach is Back”, which has gained a large number of followers online.

The High Court ordered that the CCTV footage must be preserved for one year and should not be destroyed without prior permission. The court further clarified that if an election petition challenging the result of any ward is filed, the related CCTV footage cannot be erased without the approval of the Election Tribunal.

The Bench also instructed Returning Officers to ensure that all cameras remain functional during polling and counting processes and that continuous monitoring is maintained throughout the elections.

The court warned that strict disciplinary action would be initiated against officials if any CCTV camera was found non-functional or if negligence in recording and monitoring was detected.

Addressing security concerns of candidates contesting the civic polls, the High Court stated that any candidate facing a threat perception may approach the SSP concerned, who would be required to take immediate action on such complaints.

The court further directed that election petitions filed after the polls should be disposed of within six months on a priority basis, in line with the Supreme Court guidelines, so as to maintain public confidence in the democratic process.

The High Court issued these directions while disposing of multiple petitions seeking measures to ensure fairness and transparency in the Punjab municipal elections.

The development has triggered a strong reaction from CJP supporters online, many of whom have accused platforms of trying to suppress the movement.

Founder says he lost access to Instagram account

According to Dipke, he has been unable to access his personal Instagram profile despite making repeated attempts to recover it through Meta’s official recovery system.

Sharing screenshots on social media, Dipke said the platform repeatedly displayed a message stating that the account had been locked for security reasons and required identity verification along with a password reset. However, he claimed the recovery process failed every time he tried.

In a post on X, Dipke also stated that the party’s backup Instagram account had been taken down temporarily during the same period.

‘No official access to any platform’

As concerns grew among followers, Dipke issued another statement saying that the party currently does not have control over any of its social media platforms.

He urged supporters not to treat any new posts or updates from those accounts as official communication from the Cockroach Janta Party until access is restored.

Dipke also criticised the action against the party’s accounts, describing it as a “crackdown” on the movement.

X Handle earlier withheld in India

The latest episode comes days after CJP’s main X account was withheld in India. Soon after, the group returned with a new handle named “Cockroach Is Back”.

The new account mocked attempts to silence the movement and claimed the restrictions came at a time when CJP was rapidly overtaking major political parties in online popularity.

Some posts from the account suggested that the party’s rise on Instagram had made it a target of criticism and reporting campaigns.

How CJP became a viral online movement

What started as an Internet satire campaign has now turned into one of the most talked-about digital movements in the country.

Within a short span, the Cockroach Janta Party managed to gather massive support on Instagram, reportedly crossing the follower count of major political parties, including the BJP and Congress.

The movement has attracted strong support from Gen Z users, especially around issues such as unemployment, exam paper leaks, accountability and frustrations with mainstream politics.

Memes, short videos and satire-based political messaging played a major role in boosting its popularity online.

Who is Abhijeet Dipke?

Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, is reportedly based in Boston and had earlier worked on social media campaigns linked to the Aam Aadmi Party during the 2020 Delhi Assembly elections.

The movement gained momentum after controversial remarks allegedly linked to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant went viral online. Social media users claimed unemployed youths and activists were compared to “cockroaches” and “parasites”.

Although the remarks were later clarified and said to have been misinterpreted, the backlash quickly transformed into a wider online protest movement.

Satire with political messaging

Operating with the slogan “Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy”, the CJP describes itself as a youth-driven political front.

While the movement uses humour and satire heavily, it also raises serious issues, including electoral reforms, institutional accountability, women’s reservation and concerns over examination controversies like the NEET paper leak issue.

The remarks came amid mounting criticism against Harbhajan Singh following his recent decision to join the BJP along with several other Rajya Sabha members earlier this year. Since his switch, AAP workers have staged protests outside his residence in Jalandhar, with slogans branding him a “traitor” also appearing on the walls of his house.

Responding strongly to the criticism, Harbhajan questioned AAP leaders over the manner in which Rajya Sabha nominations were allegedly handled. In a social media post, he challenged party members to disclose “how much Punjab’s Rajya Sabha seat was sold for,” claiming he was aware of alleged bribe transactions and political deals linked to appointments and ministerial positions.

The former spinner’s comments were directed at AAP leader Devinder Yadav, who had publicly questioned Harbhajan’s decision to remain a Rajya Sabha MP after leaving the party. Yadav also accused him of betraying Punjab and alleged that BJP had offered large sums of money to leaders switching sides.

Replying to the allegations, Harbhajan said he had avoided using insulting language against AAP leaders despite repeated attacks against him. He further alleged that certain individuals within the party were responsible for orchestrating demonstrations outside his home and running campaigns against him on social media.

The cricketer-turned-politician also defended his public image, saying he had spent two decades representing India on the international stage and earning respect from people across the country. He said labels used by political opponents would not define his legacy and dismissed online criticism as the work of “paid trolls”.

The controversy intensified when Bazigar, while speaking casually during the gathering, remarked that if there was any shortfall, “they would manage it by shutting the gates,” though he added that there would be no violence involved. The statement quickly drew criticism from opposition parties, who accused the ruling party of undermining democratic values.

Kulwant Singh Bazigar is the AAP MLA from the Shutrana Assembly constituency in Patiala district. Soon after the video gained attention, both Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal launched attacks on the ruling party and the state government.

The Punjab Congress alleged that the state was witnessing politics driven by pressure tactics and misuse of power. The party questioned what kind of message such remarks from elected representatives would send to voters and demanded an immediate probe by the Election Commission.

Senior Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia also criticised the AAP government, questioning why the party would need to talk about booth management if it was truly confident of public support. He accused AAP of trying to bring intimidation-based politics into Punjab.

In the video, Bazigar is also heard saying that he had learned such political tactics from opposition parties themselves. However, the MLA has not issued any official clarification on the matter so far. Reports said attempts were made to contact him, but he did not respond to calls.

Punjab’s civic elections will be held on May 26, with voting scheduled from 8 am to 5 pm. Counting of votes will take place on May 29. Elections will be conducted for eight municipal corporations, 76 municipal councils and 21 nagar panchayats across the state.

The retiring members include former Prime Minister HD Deve Gowda, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh.

According to the Election Commission, the terms of these members will end between June 21 and July 19.

Voting to be held in 10 states

The Rajya Sabha elections will take place in Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

Among these states, Karnataka, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh will each see elections for four seats. Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan will have polling for three seats each, while two seats will go to polls in Jharkhand.

One seat each will be contested in Manipur, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram.

The last date for filing nomination papers is June 8.

Several senior leaders set To retire

A number of well-known political figures are completing their Rajya Sabha tenure this year. Those retiring include HD Deve Gowda and Mallikarjun Kharge from Karnataka, Digvijaya Singh from Madhya Pradesh and Congress leader Shaktisinh Gohil.

Union ministers Ravneet Singh from Rajasthan and George Kurian from Madhya Pradesh are also among the outgoing members.

The upcoming elections are expected to be important for both the ruling alliance and the opposition as parties prepare to reshuffle their parliamentary strength in the Upper House.

EC also announces Rajya Sabha bypolls

Apart from the regular elections, the Election Commission has also declared bypolls for one Rajya Sabha seat each in Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu.

The Maharashtra seat became vacant after Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar resigned from the Rajya Sabha following her election to the state assembly.

Further details regarding candidates and party nominations are expected in the coming days.

Soon after returning to X, the group shared fresh posts mocking the action taken against its earlier account. In one post, the party wrote, “You thought you can get rid of us? Lol.” Another post compared the Instagram follower counts of the BJP and the CJP, claiming the block was linked to the party’s growing popularity online.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke also reacted to the development by sharing a screenshot showing that the original account had been withheld in India. He described the move as “expected” as conversations around the online movement continued to trend.

The Cockroach Janta Party has emerged as one of the fastest-growing political satire movements on Indian social media in recent days. What started as an online meme campaign has now evolved into a wider digital protest driven largely by young users raising concerns over unemployment, exam paper leaks, governance and institutional accountability.

The movement received another boost after the CJP crossed 10 million followers on Instagram, overtaking the official Instagram account of BJP, which currently has around 8.7 million followers on the platform. The Congress party remains ahead with over 13 million followers, while AAP trails behind.

Calling itself “a political front of the youth, by the youth, for the youth,” the CJP uses the slogan “Secular, Socialist, Democratic, Lazy.” The movement has blended humour, memes and political messaging to attract millions of followers within a short span.

The name “Cockroach Janta Party” emerged after controversial remarks allegedly made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a recent court hearing. According to social media users, some unemployed youth and online activists were compared to “cockroaches” and “parasites”, triggering widespread criticism online.

Dipke, a 30-year-old graduate of Boston University and a former social media campaign worker associated with the Aam Aadmi Party, later said the remarks became the emotional trigger behind the movement.

The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments had been misquoted and were directed only at people allegedly using fake degrees to enter professions. However, the clarification did little to slow the momentum of the online campaign.

The movement has also drawn reactions from several public figures, including activist-lawyer Prashant Bhushan, social activist Anjali Bhardwaj and Trinamool Congress MPs Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad, who jokingly expressed support for the outfit online.

While much of the movement’s communication remains satirical, the party’s manifesto also raises serious demands. These include greater accountability for the Election Commission, a ban on post-retirement Rajya Sabha positions for Chief Justices, stronger employment protections, media reforms and 50 per cent reservation for women in Parliament and Cabinet positions.

The CJP has also positioned itself as a voice for students and young people affected by issues such as the NEET paper leak controversy and rising unemployment.

Whether the Cockroach Janta Party eventually turns into a formal political organisation or remains a social media-driven protest movement is still uncertain. However, with its online reach growing rapidly despite restrictions, the group has firmly entered India’s wider political conversation.

The rapid rise of the page has surprised many observers because it has already overtaken the official Instagram account of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which currently has around 8.7 million followers. The account of the Indian National Congress still remains ahead with more than 13 million followers.

Operating under the handle “@cockroachjantaparty”, the campaign first gained attention after remarks made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant during a court hearing last week. While commenting on social media activism and online criticism, the CJI reportedly compared certain individuals to “cockroaches”, triggering widespread debate online.

Soon after the remarks surfaced, social media users, particularly younger audiences, began using humour and satire to express anger over issues such as unemployment, exam paper leaks, lack of opportunities and growing frustration with institutions. Within days, the movement transformed from a meme page into a larger online campaign attracting massive engagement.

The campaign is being led by social media creator Abhijeet Dipke, who said the remarks sparked outrage because they came from someone responsible for protecting constitutional freedoms. According to Dipke, many young Indians connected with the movement because it reflected their everyday frustrations.

The Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were misunderstood and said he was referring only to people using fake degrees and misusing professional spaces. However, the clarification did little to slow the momentum of the online campaign.

The CJP’s rise has also drawn attention from well-known personalities. Social activist Prashant Bhushan, YouTuber Dhruv Rathee and leaders from the All India Trinamool Congress, including Mahua Moitra and Kirti Azad, have publicly interacted with or shown support for the campaign online.

Despite the attention, Dipke has maintained that the initiative is not trying to become a conventional political party. Instead, he describes it as a youth-driven platform reflecting dissatisfaction with the present system.

Interestingly, the movement’s popularity is not limited to Instagram. Its presence on X has also grown rapidly, with thousands of users engaging with its content daily. Supporters have even started discussing unofficial “state units” online, though no formal structure exists yet.

Political analysts believe the CJP phenomenon highlights how quickly social media can shape public conversations today. Unlike traditional political organisations built through years of groundwork, digital movements can now gain nationwide visibility almost overnight through memes, reels and viral content.

Whether the Cockroach Janta Party survives as a long-term movement or fades as an internet trend remains to be seen. However, its sudden rise has clearly shown the growing influence of Gen Z voices in India’s digital political space.

According to sources, the gathering is expected to include Cabinet ministers, ministers of state with independent charge and ministers of state. Several important political and economic matters are likely to be discussed during the meeting.

One of the key issues expected to dominate the talks is the ongoing tension in West Asia and its possible impact on India’s economy. The Centre has been closely monitoring the situation amid concerns over rising crude oil prices, fuel supply disruptions and inflationary pressure.

Sources said Prime Minister Modi is likely to review the latest developments after returning from his overseas trip. The government has already formed an informal high-level group of ministers under Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to keep track of the crisis and recommend steps to minimise any impact on the country.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri are also part of the group.

Recently, Rajnath Singh had said the government was maintaining constant monitoring of the situation and assured that India currently has adequate stock of crude oil, energy supplies and LPG.

The meeting has also sparked fresh political speculation over a possible Cabinet reshuffle and expansion in the Modi 3.0 government ahead of its first anniversary on June 10.

Sources in the government indicated that the leadership has been reviewing the performance of ministries and organisational work, fuelling buzz that changes in the Union Council of Ministers may happen in the coming weeks.

The commission has sought an explanation from the authorities concerned regarding the inclusion of objectionable caste-indicative words in government documents. In its notice, the NCSC asked officials to clarify why such language was used and what corrective measures have been initiated in response to the matter.

The commission has directed the officers concerned to submit a response within the stipulated timeframe. It has also asked authorities to specify the steps being taken to ensure that casteist or derogatory expressions are not used in future government records or census-related documentation.

The commission stated that it has decided to investigate the matter under the powers conferred upon it under Article 338 of the Constitution of India. Authorities concerned have been directed to submit an action taken report within 15 days of receiving the notice.

The NCSC further warned that failure to respond within the stipulated period could lead to the commission exercising powers of a civil court, including issuing summons for personal appearance before the panel.

NOTICE COPY

The court, while issuing its directions, observed that it is legally mandatory for the police to inform an accused person about the grounds of arrest at the time of detention.

According to information available, defence counsel HS Dhanoa argued before the court that Jaskaranjit Singh was taken into custody by the Matour police from Ludhiana, but the police failed to inform him about the reasons and legal grounds for his arrest.

During the hearing of the petition filed in this regard, the court made strong observations against the police action and stated that irrespective of the seriousness of allegations, due legal procedure must be followed in every case.

The court further clarified that failure to communicate the grounds of arrest amounts to a violation of the constitutional rights of the accused. Acting on these observations, the court ordered the immediate release of Jaskaranjit Singh.

Women who are already beneficiaries of the Lakshmi Bhandar scheme will automatically be covered under the new initiative. The government will also launch a separate online portal for women who are not currently enrolled under existing welfare schemes.

The state government has additionally announced free bus travel for women across West Bengal beginning June 1.

Religion-based assistance schemes to be phased out

While briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Urban Development Minister Agnimitra Paul said the government has decided to gradually discontinue religion-based financial assistance schemes run under the Madrasa Department and the Information & Cultural Department. Existing projects will continue till the end of the month before being phased out completely.

Although no detailed clarification was given, the state government had earlier introduced monthly stipends of Rs 3,000 for imams and Rs 2,000 for Hindu priests. The imam allowance was launched in 2012 during Mamata Banerjee’s tenure, while financial support for priests began in 2020 during the COVID-19 period.

Suvendu Adhikari holds first Janata Darbar

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari also held his first janata darbar on Monday at a BJP office in Salt Lake, where he interacted with people and heard their complaints and demands. According to party leaders, such public hearing sessions will now be organised regularly during Adhikari’s tenure as CM.

Students and residents from different parts of the state attended the interaction and submitted their grievances directly to the chief minister.

BJP highlights first week decisions

The West Bengal BJP highlighted several decisions taken by the new “double engine” government during its first week in office between May 9 and May 16.

In a post on X, the party claimed the new administration had moved quickly on governance issues and welfare measures.

The BJP said the steps taken in the first week reflected a change in the pace of administration in the state and would help strengthen public trust in the government.

The visit comes at a crucial time as global energy markets remain under pressure due to the ongoing conflict in the region. India has also recently witnessed an increase in petrol, diesel and CNG prices after months of shielding consumers from rising international crude oil costs.

During delegation-level discussions, India and the United Arab Emirates finalised multiple memorandums of understanding covering strategic defence cooperation, supply of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), strategic petroleum reserves and investments worth nearly $5 billion in Indian infrastructure projects, RBL Bank and Samman Capital.

An additional agreement was signed to establish a ship repair cluster at Vadinar in Gujarat’s Dwarka district, a move expected to strengthen maritime infrastructure and trade connectivity between the two countries.

Addressing the talks, Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s support for the UAE and stressed the importance of peace and stability in the Gulf region. He said India would continue to stand with the UAE in challenging times and extend all possible cooperation for restoring stability in the region.

The Prime Minister also underlined the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz and called for keeping the crucial maritime route open and secure. He emphasised that international laws and global maritime norms must be respected, especially at a time when geopolitical tensions are affecting global trade and energy supplies.

PM Modi noted that bilateral ties between India and the UAE have gained greater significance in the current international environment. Referring to the UAE President’s visit to India earlier this year, he said both nations had agreed to elevate their comprehensive strategic partnership and had already achieved substantial progress in a short period.

He further stated that the impact of the ongoing Middle East conflict was being felt across the world and reiterated that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective tools for resolving disputes.

The UAE continues to remain one of India’s most important economic and energy partners. It is currently India’s third-largest trading partner and among the leading sources of foreign investment into the country. The Gulf nation is also home to more than 4.5 million Indians, making the welfare of the Indian diaspora an important aspect of bilateral engagement.

Officials said the long-term energy agreements signed during the visit are expected to further strengthen India’s energy security at a time of global uncertainty in oil and gas markets.

Following the UAE visit, Prime Minister Modi will begin the second leg of his foreign tour covering several European nations. He is scheduled to visit the Netherlands before travelling to Sweden for talks with Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and participation in the European Round Table for Industry alongside European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The Prime Minister will later attend the 3rd India-Nordic Summit in Norway and conclude his tour in Italy, where he is expected to meet Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.