Makhi Janta Party takes off with 3.4 lakh Instagram followers after Chief Justice of India said 'hammer to kill a fly'; MJP willing to partner with Abhijeet Dipke's CJP

A satirical outfit called Makhi Janta Party (MJP) has come up on Instagram with a name taken from Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s “hammer to kill a fly” remark in Supreme Court. On Tuesday, the page claimed more than 40 lakh views and over 3.3 lakh followers within 72 hours.

MJP has also said it is trying to reach Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) to explore a common stand or coordinated action, if both sides agree. In two statements, it backed protester Neha Bora and questioned the detention of two CJP leaders at Jantar Mantar.

What is Makhi Janta Party?

MJP is a satirical page on Instagram. Makhi is the Hindi word for fly. Account information shows the page joined the platform in June 2021 and changed its username eight times before settling on makhijantaparty.ig. Posts on the page draw a direct parallel with CJP.

Who runs the page?

The page names a student called Aaryan as its founder. A statement signed by him on Tuesday describes him as founding president. A story posted on the account said the outfit was looking for spokespersons.

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What did the Chief Justice say in court?

On October 9, a Supreme Court bench questioned the rationale for a blanket shutdown in Delhi ahead of CJP’s October 10 protest. The court was hearing a plea against restrictions on trains, Metro and internet services in the capital, and it expressed no view on the merits of the protest.

The bench said stopping something and regulating it are two different concepts. “You cannot stop everything,” it said. Security concerns could justify regulating public transport, the bench added, but not bringing the entire system to a halt. Authorities could not use a “hammer to kill a fly”, it said.

How did MJP use the remark?

One post on the page turned the line around. It said when the Chief Justice himself had said a hammer cannot be used to kill a fly, now the fly would also speak up and say it is no less than anyone.

How did CJP start?

CJP emerged in May after the Chief Justice compared some unemployed young people to cockroaches during an unrelated hearing. It began as a satirical reply and went on to become a movement linked with protests and demands for accountability.

The movement also saw Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign. He gave in to protests over alleged exam irregularities, which were led from Jantar Mantar in July.

Why was CJP protesting on October 10?

CJP wanted Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to resign, and it had planned a protest at Jantar Mantar for that purpose. Delhi Police turned down the request. Police said the application came on October 7, which was too late under rules asking for at least 10 days’ notice.

Police also cited alleged failure to follow earlier directions and public-order concerns. Authorities sealed Jantar Mantar and deployed a large security force.

MJP about Neha Bora

Bora, from AISA, has been protesting against Gyanesh Kumar. MJP expressed solidarity with her and with CJP in an Instagram statement. It said it supported her “courage and determination” and described raising questions and demanding accountability as essential to democracy.

The same statement noted that the recent protest was held without required permission from authorities. MJP urged citizens to use their right to protest responsibly and within the law.

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Why did MJP question the detentions?

In another statement signed by Aaryan, MJP questioned the detention of CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das. They were detained after they breached Jantar Mantar on Tuesday and hoisted the Indian flag.

MJP pointed out that Jantar Mantar is a designated protest site. It argued that pushing protests to places far from public view can reduce their impact. It asked what use a protest site is if people cannot make their voices heard where it matters.

“Democracy needs dialogue, not distance,” the statement said. MJP also reiterated its support for peaceful protest, democratic rights and public participation.