West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on October 26, 2026, renewed his attack on the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), urging people to support Prime Minister Narendra Modi and warning against what he called “Dimagi Naxal”, “tukde tukde” groups and “cockroaches”.
His remarks followed a speech in Ramnagar, East Midnapore, on October 25, where he compared what he described as harmful political influences to pests and the spread of coronavirus. He also accused the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government of appeasement and undermining Bengali heritage.
The CJP, a youth-driven movement that has organised protests over electoral processes and other public concerns, has previously advocated peaceful resistance. The latest remarks have brought renewed attention to the increasingly confrontational language surrounding political dissent and youth-led mobilisation.
While Adhikari’s accusations remain political claims, the controversy raises questions about how public leaders engage with critics in a democracy.
Political Rhetoric Intensifies
Speaking in Ramnagar on October 25, Adhikari called for annual elocution, quiz and debate competitions in educational institutions to encourage nationalism among students. During the address, he described what he considered harmful influences as “cockroaches”, “bedbugs” and “tukde tukde gangs”, comparing their alleged spread to coronavirus. He invoked the use of insect-repellent spray to underline his argument.
The following day, he urged people to stand with Modi and warned against what he called “Dimagi Naxal” and “tukde tukde” groups. Adhikari also criticised the previous Communist and TMC governments, alleging that their combined periods in power had contributed to the erosion of people’s heritage and culture.
He raised concerns about the National Cadet Corps (NCC), claiming the previous government had attempted to discourage enrolment in educational institutions and introduced the Jai Hind Vahini in its place. He argued that NCC participation could help students seeking opportunities in the armed forces, including through the Agnipath recruitment scheme.
Adhikari also said changes to school syllabuses would be introduced in the next academic year and that the National Education Policy would be implemented in West Bengal. These statements reflect his government’s stated priorities, while his accusations against previous administrations remain allegations rather than independently established findings.
CJP And Youth Dissent
The Cockroach Janata Party emerged as a youth-driven movement using an intentionally provocative name to reclaim a derogatory label associated with unemployed young people. Founded by Abhijeet Dipke, the group has attracted attention through social-media mobilisation and demonstrations centred on political accountability and public concerns.
Its recent protests have included demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and alleged irregularities in the process. The CJP has also drawn attention to unemployment, inflation and the perceived shortcomings of established political parties. Its activities have faced confrontations with authorities, including preventive detentions linked to planned protests in Delhi. In an October 20 video message, Dipke urged supporters not to respond to perceived injustice with hatred, emphasising peace, compassion and non-violence.
He also asked them to spend time with their families during the festive period. The CJP’s stated approach offers an important counterpoint to the increasingly combative language surrounding the movement, although its claims and actions should be assessed on their own merits. No verified direct response from the CJP to Adhikari’s October 26 remarks was identified in the reports reviewed.
The broader context, however, demonstrates how online youth movements are attempting to challenge established political narratives while navigating questions about protest, public order and democratic participation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Political leaders have every right to question their opponents, challenge movements they disagree with and defend their vision for the country. However, public discourse becomes less constructive when political disagreement is framed through language that portrays people as pests or enemies rather than citizens whose claims can be examined and challenged.
As chief minister, Adhikari holds a position of public responsibility, making the tone of his statements particularly significant in an already polarised political environment. Equally, youth-led movements must remain accountable for their claims, conduct and methods, and public allegations of wrongdoing should be supported by evidence.
A healthy democracy depends on the ability to disagree without intimidation, listen without hostility and resolve differences through peaceful dialogue. Young people’s concerns about employment, representation and governance deserve serious engagement, regardless of their political affiliations or the name of the movement raising them.
Criticism should lead to scrutiny, not hostility, while political debate should make room for facts, empathy and mutual respect. How can political leaders and youth movements hold each other accountable while ensuring that disagreement does not deepen social divisions?
