Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Athawale Invites CJP Founder Dipke as Dipke Questions 'Anti-National' Label
Ramdas Athawale, a Union minister, asked Abhijeet Dipke to join his political party.
Athawale said Dipke is young, active and follows Dr BR Ambedkar's ideas.
Dipke leads a group called the Cockroach Janta Party, or CJP.
The CJP has organized protests about alleged problems with important exams and education.
Dipke answered by asking why people on Athawale's side had reportedly called him 'anti-national' only a month earlier.
He has argued that protesting is a democratic right.
Dipke also says the CJP should pressure governments rather than contest elections.
His group is campaigning for better conditions in government schools in Maharashtra.
Union Minister Ramdas Athawale invited Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke to join the Republican Party of India (Athawale).
Athawale described Dipke as a young, active Ambedkarite who could strengthen the party and advance Dr BR Ambedkar's vision.
Dipke responded on Instagram by asking whether he had been called 'anti-national' by the same side a month earlier.
The response followed CJP-led student protests in Delhi over alleged examination irregularities and demands for education reforms.
Dipke has said the CJP will remain a public pressure group, while also campaigning for better government-school facilities in Maharashtra.
- Who
- Union Minister Ramdas Athawale and Abhijeet Dipke, founder and convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party.
- What
- Athawale invited Dipke to join the Republican Party of India (Athawale), and Dipke questioned the invitation's apparent change in tone.
- When
- Athawale made the offer on Monday, August 17; Dipke referred to criticism from about a month earlier. Dipke had stated the CJP's pressure-group position on August 5.
- Where
- The invitation was made in the context of CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi; Dipke's school campaign is active in Maharashtra.
- Why
- Athawale said Dipke could contribute to society, strengthen the party and help advance Ambedkar's vision, while Dipke has opposed turning the CJP into an electoral party.
Athawale and RPI(A) viewpoint
Dipke and CJP viewpoint
Joining a political party
Athawale and RPI(A) viewpoint
Athawale said Dipke should consider joining the Republican Party of India (Athawale) to contribute to society, strengthen the party and fulfill Dr BR Ambedkar's vision.
Dipke and CJP viewpoint
Dipke has said the CJP should remain a public pressure group and should not become an electoral party.
Protesters and the 'anti-national' label
Athawale and RPI(A) viewpoint
The articles report that former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan referred to concerns about 'anti-national forces' allegedly exploiting the protests, while BJP leaders were also reported to have used strong language about protesters.
Dipke and CJP viewpoint
Dipke criticized branding protesting students as 'anti-national,' said protest is a democratic right and questioned why he had supposedly been given that label before receiving Athawale's invitation.
Political response to public concerns
Athawale and RPI(A) viewpoint
Athawale presented participation in the ruling alliance as a way for Dipke to contribute and said people responsible for wrongdoing should face punishment.
Dipke and CJP viewpoint
The CJP has pursued public pressure through student protests, debates about democracy and institutions, and campaigns for improved government schools rather than entering electoral politics.
- Inviting politician
- Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister and leader of the Republican Party of India (Athawale)
- Invitee
- Abhijeet Dipke, founder and convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party
- Party offered
- Republican Party of India (Athawale), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance
- Dipke's response
- He wrote on Instagram: 'Wasn't I anti-national for you just a month ago?'
- CJP position
- Dipke said the CJP would operate as a public pressure group rather than an electoral party
- Protest issues
- CJP-led protests addressed alleged competitive-exam irregularities, including the reported NEET-UG 2026 paper-leak issue, and called for education reforms
- School campaign
- The 'School Thik Karo' campaign focuses on basic infrastructure and facilities in government schools
Sources
Abhijeet Dipke Responds To Athawale's NDA Invite: ‘Wasn't I Anti-National For You A Month Ago?’
Abhijeet Dipke reacts to NDA leader's ‘join the party’ offer: ‘Wasn’t I anti-national for you just a month ago?’
