Anti-caste educator Lakhshya Lakey launches Cactus Janta Party
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Anti-caste educator and social media creator Lakhshya Lakey has launched the Cactus Janta Party, describing it as a political platform for Dalits, Adivasis, Bahujans and other communities affected by caste-based exclusion.
Lakey, an Indian Institute of Management graduate who identifies as an Ambedkarite, announced the launch through his Instagram account, where he has more than 676,000 followers.
The official Instagram page of the Cactus Janta Party describes the organisation as "A platform of the denied, by the denied, for the Dalit-Bahujan-Adivasi."
Its first post features a video referring to remarks made by digital content creator Ajeet Bharti, who recently mocked the Dalit community during an event organised by the Delhi Union. The video ends with the message: "We exist to amplify voices that caste society tries to silence. No more speaking for us. We will speak for ourselves. Jai Bhim."
Lakey said the Cactus Janta Party is a political outfit.
The initiative draws inspiration from the Cockroach Janta Party founded by Abhijit Dipke. However, unlike Dipke, who has repeatedly said the Cockroach Janta Party is not a political party, Lakey has presented the Cactus Janta Party as a political organisation.
Lakey is known for creating content on caste discrimination, social justice, and reservation policies. Through his online platforms, he has spoken about caste-based discrimination and atrocities, and has said his work has made him a frequent target of online abuse.