The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has strongly responded after an RTI activist sought investigations into the finances of party founder Abhijeet Dipke and his family. In its reply, the party questioned why similar demands for transparency were not being raised regarding the PM CARES Fund, intensifying the political debate surrounding the issue.
The controversy follows a series of complaints filed by a Surat-based RTI activist, who has requested multiple authorities to examine both Dipke’s family’s financial background and the legal status of the CJP.
Vaishnavi Gaur Targets PM CARES Fund Debate
CJP spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur criticised the complaints through a post on social media platform X.
Reacting to questions over Dipke’s education expenses, Gaur argued that those seeking investigations into a private citizen’s educational funding should also question the transparency of the PM CARES Fund.
In her post, translated from Hindi, she remarked that people filing RTIs on Dipke’s education should similarly examine the PM CARES Fund, adding that “Prime Minister Modi will forgive you.”
Her comments came after RTI activist Amit Tiwari publicly stated that he had approached several government agencies seeking inquiries related to the CJP and Dipke’s family finances.
Abhijeet Dipke Says US Education Was Scholarship-Funded
Earlier, during an interview with senior journalist Barkha Dutt, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke rejected allegations that his studies in the United States were financed through unexplained family wealth.
Dipke said his education at Boston University was supported through a scholarship and an education loan, which he said he is still repaying. He also displayed his scholarship letter during the interview to support his claim.
Speaking about the party’s future funding plans, Dipke stated that CJP intends to rely on public crowdfunding, promising complete transparency in the collection and use of donations.
CJP Promises Transparent Crowdfunding
According to Dipke, the party will seek financial support directly from citizens while maintaining full transparency regarding donations and expenditures.
Referring to the anti-NEET paper leak protests, he claimed the movement received widespread public backing, with supporters voluntarily providing food and drinking water to protesters.
Dipke also alleged that some Delhi Police personnel privately expressed support for the protests because their own children were preparing for NEET examinations. However, this claim has not been independently verified.
RTI Activist Seeks Multiple Investigations
RTI activist Amit Tiwari has submitted complaints to several authorities, seeking investigations into different aspects related to the CJP.
One complaint reportedly requests the Maharashtra government to examine whether Dipke’s father, Bhagwanrao Dipke, a retired state government employee, possessed assets disproportionate to his known sources of income. Tiwari questioned how he could have financed his son’s higher education abroad while serving in government service.
Questions Raised Over CJP’s Political Status
Apart from the financial inquiry, Tiwari also approached the Election Commission of India (ECI), alleging that the Cockroach Janta Party is functioning like a political organisation without being formally registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
He urged the Election Commission to determine whether the organisation should obtain official political party registration, particularly if it is collecting public donations.
The complaint also referenced the ₹1 crore legal assistance fund announced by senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal to support CJP protesters facing legal cases linked to the anti-NEET paper leak demonstrations.
GST Query Over ₹1 Crore Contribution
In a separate representation, Tiwari wrote to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) requesting clarification on whether Goods and Services Tax (GST) provisions would apply to the ₹1 crore contribution announced for the legal defence fund.
CJP Maintains Funding Is Transparent
The complaints come as the Cockroach Janta Party continues to attract national attention for its role in the protests against the alleged NEET paper leak.
While scrutiny over the organisation’s funding and legal status has intensified, CJP has maintained that its operations, finances and future crowdfunding efforts are transparent, lawful and accountable, rejecting allegations of any financial irregularities.