Showkat Saakib Poshpori
The political rise of Thalapathy Vijay in Tamil Nadu, the emergence of the “Cockroach Janata Party,” and the current political and economic situation in Jammu & Kashmir have become major topics of public and social media discussion these days. On one hand, Tamil Nadu appears to be witnessing new waves of public welfare, youth participation, and political awareness. On the other hand, the people of Jammu & Kashmir are increasingly surrounded by disappointment, anxiety, and frustration. The dreams that were presented to the public before the elections now seem like mirages hidden in the fog. Many promises were made, yet the people did not receive the relief and comfort they had been assured of in practical terms.
The current government in Tamil Nadu began focusing on public issues immediately after assuming power. Although only a short period has passed since the government was formed, several public-oriented decisions have already created a new sense of hope among the people. Welfare schemes for the poor, employment opportunities for youth, facilities for women and students, and improvements in basic services have made people feel that if a government truly wishes, it can earn public trust within a short span of time. That is why many people in Tamil Nadu have started viewing their leadership as a symbol of relief and hope.
In contrast, the situation in Jammu & Kashmir appears quite different. People voted with the expectation that unemployment would decrease, inflation would be controlled, the electricity crisis would end, jobs would be created for young people, and support would be provided to the poor. However, as time passes, public hopes continue to fade. The government repeatedly claims that its powers are limited and that many decisions fall under the jurisdiction of the Central Government or the Lieutenant Governor’s office. Yet, on the other hand, statements also emerge saying that, except for defence matters, most administrative affairs are under the elected government. As a result, ordinary citizens remain confused about who is actually responsible. The people do not need statements anymore; they need practical action.
The most painful situation is that of elderly citizens, widows, and physically challenged individuals. The monthly financial assistance provided to them appears extremely insufficient in today’s times. Inflation has risen to such an extent that even surviving for a few days on fifteen hundred rupees has become difficult. An elderly person already suffering from illness, weakness, and loneliness cannot possibly manage medicines, food, and other necessities with such a small amount. Similarly, physically challenged individuals also require special attention and financial support so that they may live with dignity.
The government should immediately increase the pension for elderly citizens from fifteen hundred to at least twenty-five hundred rupees. Likewise, financial assistance for physically challenged individuals should be increased to three thousand or even five thousand rupees so that they can fulfill their basic needs. A civilized society is recognized by how it supports its weaker sections rather than leaving them at the mercy of circumstances.
Unemployment has also become a serious issue in Jammu & Kashmir. Thousands of educated young people remain jobless despite completing higher education. Many youths are falling into despair and a sense of deprivation. The government should introduce a proper unemployment allowance or employment schemes so that young people can support their families and face the hardships of life. The youth are the true asset of any nation, and if this asset falls into hopelessness, society cannot progress.
Electricity bills and bank loans have also increased the difficulties of the Kashmiri people. Before the elections, promises were made regarding electricity bill waivers and relief, but after the elections, electricity meters began appearing in homes and bills started increasing. People ask: if Kashmir itself produces electricity, then why must its own people pay such high prices? This question is not merely economic but deeply emotional as well. Similar promises were made regarding gas cylinders, ration supplies, employment, and other facilities, yet the public did not receive significant benefits.
It is within such an atmosphere that symbolic movements like the “Cockroach Janata Party” emerge. At first glance, the name may sound humorous, but in reality, it symbolizes the anger, helplessness, and political distrust of the youth. It is said that when an important judicial figure mockingly referred to unemployed youth as “cockroaches,” the young generation turned the very same word into their strength. Within just a few hours, the “Cockroach Janata Party” was formed on social media, and thousands of young people quickly joined it.
This movement became the voice of those youths who had been carrying the burden of unemployment, inflation, injustice, and political neglect for years. They transformed sarcasm into protest and humor into a slogan of resistance. The interesting aspect of this movement was that being “unemployed,” “lazy,” and “active on social media” were jokingly described as qualifications for joining the party. In reality, this was a sharp satire on a system in which the youth felt ignored and abandoned.
When governments’ promises and claims turn into mirages, when inflation touches the skies, when educated young people wander in search of employment, and when the poor are deprived of basic facilities in their own land, anger naturally begins to grow within society. This anger sometimes becomes poetry, sometimes protest, and sometimes symbolic movements like the “Cockroach Janata Party.” Such a movement signifies that today’s youth are no longer willing to remain silent. They ask questions, demand their rights, and know how to use social media as their voice.
There is also an important lesson in this for governments. People may temporarily be satisfied by slogans, but they do not remain silent forever. If unemployment, inflation, corruption, and injustice continue to rise, then more such movements will continue to emerge. Because when hopes are shattered, satire, humor, and protest give birth to a new kind of politics.
Even now, there is still time for the government to take public issues seriously, fulfill its promises in practical terms, create employment opportunities for youth, support the elderly and vulnerable sections of society, and rebuild trust with the people. Because power is never permanent, but the memories and wounds of the people remain for a very long time.
“Perhaps my words may finally reach your heart.”
