The Cockroach Janta Party now has company, and this time, it’s a fly. The Makhi Janta Party (MJP) has taken Instagram by storm after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s “hammer to kill a fly” remark gave the humble insect an unexpected moment in the spotlight.The satirical outfit claims to have clocked more than 40 lakh views and over 3.3 lakh followers in just 72 hours. Its following has since been reported at around 3.4 lakh. Not bad for a party whose name comes from a line about a makkhi.And it seems the MJP wants to do more than ride the viral moment. The group says it is trying to contact the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to explore a possible tie-up. If the two manage to find common ground, the internet could have a rather unusual political alliance to follow.
How a Supreme Court remark gave a fly its own party
It began during a Supreme Court hearing on October 9, ahead of a CJP protest scheduled in Delhi the following day. The court was questioning the decision to shut down public transport across the city over security concerns.The bench said authorities could regulate transport without stopping everything. “One can regulate but it is completely different to put a halt on everything… you cannot stop everything,” it observed, adding that authorities could not use a “hammer to kill a fly [makkhi]”.The MJP wasted little time turning the remark into a punchline.“Jab CJI ne hi kaha – ‘Can’t use hammer to kill a fly!’ ab to makkhi bhi bolegi hum bhi kisi se kum nahi,” it posted on social media.The message roughly translates to: if the CJI himself says you can’t use a hammer to kill a fly, even the fly can now stand up and say it is no less than anyone else.The Instagram page identifies a student named Aaryan as its founder. There is another curious detail: the account joined Instagram in June 2021 and changed its username eight times before becoming makhijantaparty.ig. The outfit has also put out a call for spokespersons on its Instagram story.
Makhi Janta Party wants to team up with CJP
The MJP has also expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party and 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 MJP praised Bora’s courage and determination. It said asking questions and demanding accountability were part of democracy.The group also acknowledged that the recent protest had taken place without the required permission from the authorities. It urged people to exercise their right to protest responsibly and within the law.As for joining hands with the CJP, the MJP says it is trying to get in touch with the group to discuss a common stand or coordinated action. Any such arrangement, it added, would depend on mutual agreement.There is no confirmation of a formal alliance yet. But the MJP appears keen to take its online popularity beyond the joke that started it.
Why is MJP questioning the detentions at Jantar Mantar?
The outfit has also questioned the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das after they allegedly breached the designated protest area at Jantar Mantar and hoisted the Indian flag.In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by Aaryan, identified as the MJP’s founding president, the group questioned what a designated protest site was meant to achieve if people could not make their voices heard.“So what’s the point of a protest site if people can’t make their voices heard where it matters?” it asked.“Democracy needs dialogue, not distance,” the statement added.Behind the unusual name and the social media humour, the MJP is making a point about peaceful protest, democratic rights and public participation.
From cockroaches to flies: satire finds a new audience
The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical response to the use of the word “cockroaches” for a section of young people. What started as an online response later became associated with protests and demands for political accountability.The CJP also became part of protests at Jantar Mantar in July over alleged examination irregularities. The demonstrations were followed by the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.Now, the MJP has its own quote, its own growing audience and an eye on a possible partnership with the CJP. Whether that translates into a sustained movement remains to be seen.For now, one Supreme Court remark has given social media a new name to play with. The cockroaches came first. The fly has followed. And the two may soon be talking politics.