Cockroach Janata Party: What Sonam Wangchuk Said about ‘Cockroach’ Online Campaign? What Appeal He Made to Government?
Environmental activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has lent his support to the online “Cockroach” campaign, which has been garnering a lot of attention on social media in recent days. On Saturday, Wangchuk described himself as an “honorary cockroach” and appealed to the government to address the issues being raised by the youth, rather than attempting to stifle their online voices.
This campaign—popularly dubbed the “Cockroach Janata Party”—utilizes the image of a cockroach as a symbol of satire, resilience, and protest. The movement highlights issues such as unemployment, examination paper leaks, and accountability in governance. Its organizers have also alleged that several social media accounts associated with the campaign were suspended, and attempts were made to hack into them.
Such campaigns should be viewed as democratic feedback
Reacting to this controversy, Wangchuk stated that he was deeply impressed by the constructive and peaceful manner in which the youth are expressing their frustrations. He remarked that such campaigns should be viewed as democratic feedback rather than as a threat.
Wangchuk further observed that even if those attempting to raise these issues are silenced, the issues themselves will not simply vanish. In a lighthearted tone, he noted that he might not officially qualify to join this movement, as he is “neither unemployed nor lazy”; however, he added that he nonetheless considers himself an honorary member.
He further asserted that satire and criticism are integral components of a democracy and should be respected rather than suppressed.