New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Indian Overseas Congress chief Sam Pitroda has backed the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest, describing it as a symbol of fearless opposition, courage and political awakening, and comparing the movement to the Arab Spring uprisings of 2010-11.
In an interview, Pitroda said young protesters deserved appreciation for speaking out, even if some of their actions or views were mistaken. He described the student movement as a source of hope and said the courage to overcome fear and challenge established systems was significant.
“I think the student movement and the Cockroach Janata Party movement are about fearless opposition, courage and awakening,” Pitroda said, adding that he had described the developments in an article as the “Indian monsoon”, drawing a parallel with the Arab Spring.
The Arab Spring was a wave of pro-democracy protests and uprisings across the Middle East and North Africa in 2010 and 2011, leading to the fall of governments in Tunisia and Egypt and unrest in several other countries.
Addressing the controversy over alleged abusive language used during CJP protests, Pitroda acknowledged that some participants had spoken loudly and used inappropriate words. However, he said he did not endorse such language and argued that the anger behind the protests had opened up opportunities for wider discussion.
Asked whether CJP was an offshoot of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Pitroda said he did not have sufficient information to comment on the claim. He described the group as a gathering of young, articulate people and said their ability to express themselves and navigate a complex system deserved recognition.
Pitroda also said the protests had encouraged minorities, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), Dalits and tribal communities to speak about their perceived exclusion from economic opportunities and decision-making.
“The student movement has once again galvanised them. Now they can speak out too,” he said.
On YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, Pitroda described him as a bright young man with a large following and defended his right to participate in protests and express his views. He said he respected Rathee’s courage and believed more people should speak up.
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s emphasis on courage, Pitroda argued that overcoming fear was essential for people seeking change.
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