KOTTAYAM, JUNE 1 — Vice President C P Radhakrishnan called on media organizations to prioritize positive developments and constructive reporting, warning that a lack of meaningful coverage risks driving the younger generation toward satirical platforms like the online “Cockroach Janta Party.”
Speaking at the 140th anniversary celebrations of the Malayalam daily newspaper Deepika, Radhakrishnan noted that responsible journalism is a cornerstone of nation-building and crucial for shaping the mindset of the youth.
“Positive activities should be reported well,” the Vice President stated. “Only then will youngsters receive the right information. Otherwise, they will lose interest and end up following the ‘cockroach’.”
The comment was directed at the Cockroach Janta Party, a satirical digital platform created by political communication strategist Abhijeet Dipke. The movement emerged online following a controversy involving the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant. During a court hearing, the Chief Justice made remarks that some interpreted as calling a section of youth “cockroaches” and “parasites.” Though the Chief Justice later clarified that his comments were misquoted and actually aimed at individuals entering the legal profession with fake degrees, the episode prompted the creation of the satirical platform, which now uses memes to address youth-centric issues like unemployment and exam leaks.
Radhakrishnan asserted that temporary digital buzz should not dictate actual journalistic value. He maintained that true quality stands the test of time, whereas sudden internet trends are often short-lived.
“If something is genuinely good, people will continue to recognise its value after a week, 10 days, or even a month,” Radhakrishnan said. “Nobody knows about them. All of a sudden, they are everywhere. That cannot last.”
The Vice President noted that while he supports freedom of expression, media institutions must remain responsible. He stated that constructive journalism is essential for strengthening public confidence, especially as the nation continues to progress under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
