Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in New Delhi on Saturday, October 31, ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned rally against alleged electoral irregularities. While expressing solidarity with the Opposition’s campaign against alleged vote theft, Dipke made it clear that the CJP would not formally participate in Sunday’s demonstration at Ramlila Maidan.
The meeting was primarily aimed at thanking Banerjee for her support during the organisation’s earlier youth-led protests, particularly its demonstration at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak issue. Dipke also acknowledged her support when CJP activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested by Delhi Police.
Abhijeet Dipke Explains Why CJP Will Stay Away From Rally
Speaking to reporters after meeting Banerjee, Dipke said the organisation supported the INDIA bloc’s protest but wanted to preserve its independent and politically neutral identity.
He emphasised that the Cockroach Janta Party was an independent platform and did not want to become formally associated with any political alliance.
Dipke also stated that the organisation would support anyone raising concerns about alleged vote theft, irrespective of their political affiliations.
According to him, the campaign for free and fair elections was bigger than any single political party or organisation.
Mamata Banerjee Praises CJP Activists
Mamata Banerjee welcomed Dipke’s support and praised the young activists for their efforts in raising concerns about electoral processes and the Election Commission.
She described the CJP members as pioneers and founders of the movement, acknowledging their determination to continue protests despite facing challenges.
Banerjee also invited Dipke and other CJP members to visit West Bengal and organise programmes in the state. However, she left the decision about future activities to the organisation.
INDIA Bloc Rally At Ramlila Maidan
The meeting took place ahead of the INDIA bloc’s November 1 rally at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan. Opposition parties planned the demonstration to raise allegations of electoral irregularities, particularly concerning the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The Opposition has also demanded accountability from the Election Commission and called for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The rally, organised under the broader campaign against alleged ‘vote chori’, is expected to bring together several Opposition leaders and supporters.
CJP Maintains Its Independent Political Identity
Dipke’s meeting with Mamata Banerjee highlights the growing engagement between youth-led movements and established political leaders over issues concerning electoral transparency.
However, the CJP founder’s decision not to join the INDIA bloc rally signals that the organisation intends to maintain its distance from formal political alliances.
By supporting the broader demand for electoral accountability while refusing to participate in a political demonstration, the CJP appears determined to establish itself as an independent platform focused on public issues.
