In a recent column for The Indian Express, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor offered critical advice to India's Generation Z, many of whom have expressed their political disillusionment by signing up for the satirical 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP).
Tharoor acknowledged the validity of the frustrations driving Gen Z towards movements like the CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke. He described the CJP's emergence as a "heartbreaking piece of political theatre," reflecting a generation feeling disregarded by an unresponsive system.
However, the Thiruvananthapuram MP cautioned against mistaking an outlet for frustration as a genuine solution. "Instagram is your town square. But it is not a ballot box," Tharoor wrote, stressing that while rage can ignite a movement, it requires a steady hand and clear strategy to build something enduring.
Beyond Social Media: Tharoor's Call to Action
Tharoor urged Gen Z not to stop at merely venting or finding online solidarity. He outlined several concrete steps for channeling their energy into meaningful political engagement:
Make Representatives Accountable
- Flood offices: Engage directly with local MLAs and MPs.
- Utilize RTI: Employ the Right to Information Act to demand transparency from government bodies.
Leverage Institutional Pressure
- Organize dissent: Structure protests and demands around specific, actionable issues.
- Engage media: Understand that media thrives on compelling narratives, which can force parliamentarians to address demands.
Professionalize Advocacy
- Collaborate: Work with student unions, legal collectives, and policy advocacy groups experienced in drafting petitions and navigating legal processes.
- Learn from history: Recall that successful movements have historically organized, drafted, lobbied, and agitated.
Embrace the Power of Participation
True change, Tharoor argued, happens in the often-mundane processes of daily politics. Active participation is essential to overcome the system's inherent inertia. He acknowledged the feeling that the political game might be rigged but reminded Gen Z that they represent a significant demographic majority in a nation still defining its identity.
"Frustration is not an end in itself," Tharoor concluded. He encouraged them to reject the label of 'cockroaches' and instead work alongside mainstream politicians from across the spectrum to rebuild a system that respects the dignity of every student and job-seeker.