The 'Cockroach' Context: Lessons From Nepal, Spain, Kejriwal On Protest-Born Politics

As Delhi prepares for Dussehra, a 30-foot cockroach effigy is set to burn alongside Ravan, even as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) returns to the streets with its ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ rally. This report examines the symbolism behind the rival narratives, the origins of CJP as a protest movement, and its focus on unemployment, exam paper leaks and electoral rolls. It also explores whether a movement born from public anger can become an electoral force, drawing comparisons with AAP in India, Nepal’s Rastriya Swatantra Party, Bangladesh’s National Citizen Party, Ukraine’s Servant of the People and Spain’s Podemos. From protest slogans to polling booths, the key question is whether online momentum and street mobilisation can translate into lasting political success.