After CJP, ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ goes viral now; gains over 5 million followers on Instagram

A new social media campaign, known as ‘Reservation Hatao Andolan’ (RHA), has gained massive traction on Instagram, surpassing 5.5 million followers since its launch. The movement, which opposes affirmative action policies, has become a prominent voice on platforms, advocating for merit-based opportunities rather than caste-based reservations. While the campaign’s origins are linked to the recent surge of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), it operates independently and claims no political affiliations. The RHA movement was launched under the username ‘reservationhataomovement’ on Instagram, where it has posted over 100 content pieces. Its profile highlights BR Ambedkar’s call to “Educate-Agitate-Organize” alongside a Hindi slogan emphasizing equality among all communities. The account exclusively follows the Indian Army’s official page, suggesting a focus on national unity and discipline. Despite its growing influence, the identity of its founder remains undisclosed. The campaign argues that reservation policies undermine meritocracy, exacerbate caste divisions, and negatively impact educational standards by diminishing competitive environments. It advocates for a system where individuals are judged solely on their abilities rather than their socio-economic backgrounds. In addition, the movement proposes a comprehensive reform plan, urging the government to eliminate caste-based identification in everyday public life as part of efforts to combat systemic discrimination. The emergence of RHA coincides with the rapid growth of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a satirical social media group founded by Abhijeet Dipke. Initially an online campaign, CJP evolved into a nationwide youth-led protest centered around allegations of examination misconduct. This led to a mass gathering at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and ultimately resulted in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The success of CJP has inspired other similar movements, including the ‘E20 Janta Party,’ which targets the government’s push for E20 fuel, a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol. The ‘E20 Janta Party’ has also garnered attention online, though its founder remains anonymous. This group criticizes the Centre’s initiative to promote E20 fuel, which aims to reduce reliance on imported crude oil, lower vehicle emissions, and benefit farmers through increased ethanol production. Supporters argue that the policy could lead to compatibility issues with older vehicles, reduced fuel efficiency, and heightened water usage for agricultural purposes. These concerns have fueled online discussions and debates over the environmental and economic implications of the policy. Both RHA and the E20 Janta Party represent grassroots campaigns that leverage social media to challenge governmental policies and advocate for change. Their popularity underscores the growing role of digital platforms in shaping public discourse and mobilizing collective action. As these movements continue to gain momentum, they are likely to influence broader conversations about governance, equity, and the future direction of India’s social and economic policies.