Closing 'X' account of CJP shows Centre's 'intolerance', 'fear' towards democratic protests: Vijayan

Leader of Opposition in the Kerala Assembly Pinarayi Vijayan on Saturday said the Centre's alleged act of closing the 'X' account of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) was a sign of "intolerance" and "fear" towards democratic protests. Vijayan, in a statement, also claimed that it shows that the central government was worried that the CJP, a satirical social media outfit, will grow into a political protest movement. "Why is the BJP scared of it," he asked. The Marxist veteran also pointed out that the CJP has gained public attention and acceptance much faster than the BJP's official propaganda mechanisms. He contended that the youth, who are facing unemployment and neglect, have been attracted to movement due to their deep unhappiness with the current socio-political situation. Vijayan said that the movement should not be seen as a response to the epithet "cockroaches". "The fervor of a strong political response against a system full of unemployment, inequality and exploitation can be seen in it. The fear that this sentiment will spread further is leading the central government to take steps to suppress democratic voices," he claimed. He further said that disagreements with a political idea or form of protest were natural, but misusing laws and administrative procedures to suppress a youth protest, which is exercising the freedom of expression and association guaranteed by the Constitution, is against the spirit of democratic India and constitutional values. "This action of the central government is strongly condemned. I request all forces that believe in democracy and freedom of expression to strongly protest against this," he said in the statement. While Vijayan has condemned the Centre's action against the CJP, the BJP has termed it as cross-border "influence operation" aimed at destabilising India and targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his administration. At the same time, the CJP has drawn support from several young political leaders in Kerala belonging to the ruling Congress, its ally the IUML, and the opposition CPI(M). Newly elected MLAs Abin Varkey (Congress), P K Navas and T P Ashrafali (IUML), and V K Sanoj CPI(M) had on Friday expressed support for the CJP. The satirical movement has also received backing from student leaders, with Students' Federation of India (SFI) state president M Sivaprasad speaking in its favour. The 'X' account of Cockroach Janata Party, a satirical digital outfit that came up last week and took social media by storm, was withheld in India on Thursday. Soon after, came another handle – 'Cockroach is Back' with the tagline 'Cockroaches Don't Die'.