Leader of Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan has strongly criticised the withholding of Cockroach Janta Party’s X handle in the country.

In a statement, Mr. Vijayan alleged the X handle of the youth movement had been withheld on the Union government’s demand. This reflected the intolerance towards democratic protests. “It also reveals the apprehension that the Cockroach Janta Party will emerge as political protest movement. Why is the BJP this scared?” Mr. Vijayan asked.

He said the platform had garnered more attention and followers than the BJP’s official publicity mechanisms in a very short time. That the youth who were experiencing umemployment and neglect were attracted to this sudden movement reflects their deep unhappiness with the current socio-political circumstances.

The protest against the unemployed youth being labelled as ‘cockroaches’ should not be dismissed as a quick reaction. The intensity of a strong political reaction against unemployment and a system rife with inequality and exploitation could be seen in it. The fear that this sentiment could spread across the country has led the Union government to muzzle democratic voices, Mr. Vijayan said.

One could disagree with political ideas or the nature of protests. However, attempts to suppress a youth protest that is making use of the right to freedom of expression or organisation by misusing laws or administration went against the soul of a democratic India and Constitutional values, he said, calling for strong protests against the Union government.