The Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic (CJP-D) has been formed in New Delhi and its founder Manish Brahmbhatt describes it as a public engagement and collective democratic decision-making platform (that is, he thinks all politics need public input, public accountability and democratic decision-making).
The new platform was launched on Thursday by Brahmbhatt and the development of a national team through an inclusive process is in the pipeline. The movement is intended to be a platform for citizens from different parts of the country who get involved and contribute to issues that will determine the direction of the organisation in the next ten years, he said.
The CJP-D is on the phone with volunteers and people who support its principles, he said. There are also several communication channels for those wishing to participate, including a WhatsApp account and a missed call service for people wishing to join the movement, he said.
Aspects of Transparency and Collective Decision-Making
Brahmbhatt made it a central theme of his announcement in particular that internal democracy was fundamental. He said the organisation will not concentrate decision-making power in a single individual and will instead have team-based methods of decision-making.
Brahmbhatt said that members should play a significant role at decision-making levels in organisations. In his opinion, political movements can lose their original purpose when leadership is too individualistic and collective participation is made so little.
So transparency and accountability are the key components of the CJP-D’s political structure. Brahmbhatt said the organisation wants to create a system in which decisions are driven by discussion and the collective views of its members.
The launch is of course at a time when political accountability, internal democracy and public participation remain important topics of debate in Indian politics. New political movements often try to distinguish themselves by promising alternatives to established organisational structures.
Question of Existing Politics
Brahmbhatt voiced his concern at the launch about political movements changing over time. He said some of the initiatives that had been based on public participation and collective goals became largely driven by political interests and individual leadership.
He said earlier efforts to maintain a broad country-oriented movement had been challenging from a leadership and organisational perspective because there were different directions on direction.
Brahmbhatt also mentioned an alleged incident at a volunteers’ meeting in Delhi where participants were asked to surrender their mobile phones to prevent recordings of the proceedings. This is not in line with openness and transparency, he said.
These statements represent Brahmbhatt's views and accusations of political organisation and decision-making. This new platform has employed these concerns to explain how it thinks an alternative means of internal democracy is required.
A Stand Against Corruption
Brahmbhatt said the Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic would keep a stance against corruption regardless of the political party in government. He said focusing only on defeating a particular political opponent does not necessarily solve larger structural problems.
The larger aim is to explore systemic issues and bring in accountability in the political system, he said. The CJP-D’s approach is to fight corruption and promote transparency but not to only hold a party or political group accountable.
The movement aims to appeal to people who feel disconnected from the existing political landscape, the founder said. By engaging volunteers and members in discussions, the organisation hopes to build a broader network of citizens interested in political reform.
Building a National Network
The immediate focus of the CJP-D seems to be organisational expansion. Brahmbhatt said the platform is inviting citizens from across India to participate and help build a national team.
Digital communication is expected to be crucial in this process. Social media and other channels will allow the organisation to communicate with potential members and volunteers in various states.
The party’s future direction, however, will be determined by how well it can translate its principles into a coherent political structure. To get a national presence, it is not enough to build a base but also local networks, leadership systems and clear policies.
A New Voice in India's Political Space
The Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic adds another name to India’s diverse political scene. Brahmbhatt has tried to distinguish the organisation by putting much emphasis on collective decision-making, transparency and accountability.
The platform has presented itself as a response to concerns about centralised leadership and the gap some citizens feel exists between political organisations and the public. How well it can gather significant support will depend on how well it can attract volunteers and have an effective organisational model.
For now, the CJP-D is expanding its network and encouraging citizens to participate in the movement. Brahmbhatt has said it will take decisions about future strategy and will take into account the collective view of members of the community.
The launch is a sign of continuing interest in political change and new forms of public participation in India. As the organisation grows, how transparent, responsible, accountable and internal democracy will be key to the organisation’s ability to put its stated principles of transparency, accountability and internal democracy into practice will be closely watched as it develops.
