‘Will the emperor reveal his degree?’:CJP’s Dipke challenges Modi; announces 2-day strategy meet from Aug 5 in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday defended the funding of his studies at Boston University after a Surat-based RTI activist questioned his family’s financial background. Dipke said his education in the United States was financed through a university scholarship and an education loan, and challenged anyone to investigate the source of the funds. “I got a scholarship and an education loan for my studies in the US. Anyone is free to probe the source of funds. Will the emperor reveal his degree?” Dipke told PTI. His remarks came after RTI activist Amit Tiwari filed complaints with authorities questioning how the family of a retired government employee financed an overseas degree. Tiwari has also sought inquiries into CJP’s legal status and the party’s announcement of a ₹1 crore legal aid fund for protesters. Later in a statement, the CJP announced that its core team will hold a two-day strategy meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August 5 and 6 to discuss the party’s next steps following the nationwide student protests. Demands withdrawal of FIRs against student protesters Abhijeet Dipke demanded that the Maharashtra government withdraw FIRs against student protesters, alleging they were being harassed while law enforcement failed to prevent violence. He also said that if an FIR is registered against Ruchika Singh over her remarks on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, similar action should be taken against BJP leaders and members of the party’s IT cell. Dipke added that education in India had become “unaffordable and inaccessible” for ordinary families. ‘India needs a public movement, not another political party’ Asked whether CJP planned to enter electoral politics, Dipke ruled out the possibility, saying the organisation would continue to function as a public movement rather than a political party. CJP to chart next phase of movement In a statement, CJP announced that its founder, spokespersons and organisational leadership will hold a two-day strategy meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on August 5 and 6 to discuss the next phase of the youth movement. The party said its leadership had consulted a wide range of stakeholders over the past several days, including 50 core volunteers who were part of the Jantar Mantar protest, to determine its future course. “The defeat of this arrogant government at the hands of the youth shows that when young people come together, they can achieve anything. Our team is working to put together the best possible path forward to channel the expectations of our youth into meaningful action,” CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said. ‘Responsibility has increased after the protests’ Dipke said the party’s responsibility had grown following the nationwide protests and indicated that CJP would soon expand its organisational team to strengthen its outreach. The party said it would announce further details of its next steps, including the schedule for a nationwide listening tour, after the strategy meeting concludes.