Kolkata: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee has extended support to the controversial Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) days after the TMC suffered a crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections.
The satirical digital collective, Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Boston-based Abhijeet Dipke, has rapidly gained popularity on social media since its launch last week. The movement has attracted attention for its anti-establishment messaging and satirical political content aimed largely at younger audiences.
In a post on X, TMC MP Derek O’Brien has confirmed the development. He said both leaders remained focused on “fighting the good fight” amid a series of internal review meetin
gs following the TMC’s defeat in the West Bengal polls.
“Purposive meetings all week with @mamataofficial and @abhishekaitc. Both focused on fighting the good fight. Steely resolve,” O’Brien wrote, adding, “Oh and they both expressed their fondness and full support for Cockroaches.”
Following the election results, Mamata Banerjee has repeatedly alleged irregularities in the electoral process and questioned the legitimacy of the outcome. She described the election as a “mockery” and accused the BJP of “state terrorism”, while maintaining that the Trinamool Congress would have secured more than 200 seats under fair conditions.
The emergence of the Cockroach Janta Party has meanwhile triggered nationwide debate and legal scrutiny. Petitions have reportedly been filed in the Supreme Court seeking a CBI investigation into the group and alleging misuse of judicial remarks and fake advocate networks linked to the campaign.
The movement has also generated significant traction online, with several social media pages and supporters promoting the campaign as a symbol of resistance against mainstream political structures.