The founder of the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ Abhijit Deepke, did not limit himself to angry social media posts like many others. Instead of merely expressing frustration with the system, he took a small criticism, built an online platform around it, and managed to shake the entire system. Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka served as his two strongest pillars. Here’s a brief look at their educational backgrounds and roles in the movement.
● Abhijit Deepke.
Thirty-year-old Abhijit Deepke has a strong understanding of how to mobilize young people toward activism. From 2020 to 2023, he worked as a social media strategist for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Recognizing his abilities, the AAP government appointed him as a communications adviser. He left the party in 2023. Deepke was born on September 29, 1995, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (formerly Aurangabad), Maharashtra, into a Dalit family. His father, Bhagwanrao, is a retired engineer from MIDC, while his mother is a homemaker.
Although he initially enrolled in an engineering program, he pursued his passion for journalism and completed a bachelor’s degree in the field. He later went to Boston University in the United States, where he earned a master’s degree in Public Relations.
The idea for the ‘Cockroach Janata Party’ emerged after ‘Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant’ allegedly referred to unemployed people and those active on social media as ‘Cockroaches’. Using that remark as a rallying point, Deepke announced the platform from Boston on May 16. Within 48 hours, it reportedly attracted 40,000 followers.
He then returned to Delhi, planned the movement, and launched a protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and calling for reforms in the education system.
● Saurav Das.
Saurav Das (27), from Delhi, holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication and worked as an investigative journalist. At just 18 years old, he actively used the Right to Information (RTI) Act to obtain official information. Unlike many political leaders, Saurav is not known for making sensational speeches. Instead, he speaks with facts and supporting evidence. Whatever issue he takes up, he researches it thoroughly, backs it with documents, and is known for his transparent approach. As the party’s chief spokesperson, he consistently articulated the organization’s position on various issues. During the NEET controversy, he reportedly analyzed and presented government data, playing a crucial role in strengthening the movement. He also took a firm and persistent approach during discussions with government officials.
* Ashutosh Ranka.
Ashutosh Ranka (28) was one of the principal organizers of the ‘Chalo Parliament’ campaign. Despite strict police action, he played an effective role in leading supporters toward the movement’s objectives. Ranka completed higher education at IIT Kanpur and the London School of Economics (LSE). He is regarded as one of the key strategists and an important member of the Cockroach Janata Party’s leadership.