A recent controversy has erupted around Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, following allegations from Surat-based RTI activist Amit Tiwari regarding the financing of Dipke's education in the United States. Tiwari has lodged formal complaints seeking investigations into Dipke's family finances, particularly those of his father, Bhagwanrao Dipke, a retired Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) junior engineer.
Allegations Surface Against CJP Founder
Amit Tiwari questioned how a government employee, whose reported monthly salary ranged from ₹60,000 to ₹65,000, could afford to fund an expensive overseas education for his son. Tiwari emphasized the need for a thorough inquiry into the family's financial sources, stating,
"How could a junior engineer drawing a salary of around ₹60,000–65,000 per month fund an expensive education in the United States? The source of these funds should be investigated."
Beyond Dipke's personal finances, the RTI activist also raised concerns about the legal status of the Cockroach Janta Party itself. Tiwari sought an investigation into a proposed ₹1 crore legal aid fund announced by senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal for protesters arrested during the anti-NEET agitation. He questioned the legality of an unregistered political outfit receiving such substantial funds and has sought inquiries by both the Election Commission and tax authorities.
Dipke Defends Funding Sources
In response to the allegations, Abhijeet Dipke firmly denied that his education was financed through unexplained family wealth. During an interview with journalist Barkha Dutt, Dipke clarified that his studies at Boston University were primarily supported by a scholarship from the university itself, supplemented by an education loan.
"My education was funded by a scholarship provided by Boston University. And I had taken some education loan which I have to pay back now," Dipke stated, displaying his scholarship letter as evidence.
CJP spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur also dismissed Tiwari's complaints as politically motivated, suggesting they were aimed at tarnishing Dipke's reputation rather than promoting transparency. Gaur highlighted what she perceived as selective targeting, challenging the activist to investigate larger public institutions instead of focusing on a private individual's expenses.
Looking ahead, Dipke outlined the CJP's future funding strategy, stating the party intends to rely on crowdfunding. He affirmed a commitment to complete transparency regarding all funds collected from the public, drawing parallels to the voluntary support, including essentials like drinking water, received during the anti-NEET paper leak protests.