A Right to Information (RTI) activist from Surat, Amit Tiwari, has filed complaints with multiple government authorities, calling for a comprehensive investigation into the financial affairs of Bhagwanrao Dipke, the father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. Tiwari specifically questions how Dipke's father, a retired Junior Engineer with the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC), could have afforded his children's higher education in the United States on a monthly salary reportedly between ₹60,000 and ₹65,000.
Financial Scrutiny Over US Education Costs
Amit Tiwari has formally approached the Maharashtra government, urging an inquiry into Bhagwanrao Dipke's financial assets. He highlighted the apparent disparity between the father's reported income as a government employee and the significant costs associated with overseas education, suggesting a potential case of disproportionate assets. Tiwari has demanded strict action if any financial impropriety is uncovered.
Questions Raised Over CJP's Legal Fund and Registration
Beyond the personal finances of Dipke's father, Tiwari has also directed his scrutiny towards the Cockroach Janta Party itself. He has filed a complaint with the Election Commission (EC), stating that the CJP operates as a political party despite allegedly being an unregistered entity. Tiwari urged the EC to examine whether the CJP is registered under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, especially concerning the acceptance of funds.
This complaint comes in light of a proposed ₹1 crore legal defence fund for CJP protesters, announced by senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal. Tiwari argues that if the CJP, as an unregistered body, is accepting such substantial donations, its operations and fund-gathering practices require immediate verification by the EC.
GST Query and Protest Criticism
In a separate complaint to the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), Tiwari has asked for an assessment on whether an 18% Goods and Services Tax (GST) should be levied on the ₹1 crore contribution pledged by Kapil Sibal for the CJP's legal defence fund.
The activist also voiced strong criticism regarding the nature of the CJP-led protests. While acknowledging the initial focus on issues like NEET, Tiwari stated that the agitation had veered off course, incorporating abusive language directed at Prime Minister Modi and his late mother, as well as inappropriate comments concerning the Prime Minister's foreign ties. Tiwari emphasized that such behaviour warranted action.