New Delhi: The Centre has accused the satirical political group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its key members of receiving financial support from foreign organisations and overseas networks allegedly working against India’s interests.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh alleged that the group’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, and strategist Ashutosh Ranka had links with overseas financiers. He claimed that Dipke had received money from US-based donors, while Ranka was allegedly paid by Pakistani politicians.
The allegations have intensified the political confrontation surrounding CJP’s recent protests in the national capital. BJP spokesperson Tuhin A Sinha alleged that the demonstrations were intended to create disorder in Delhi during the festive season and damage India’s international image.
He also accused CJP and the Congress of targeting constitutional institutions, particularly the judiciary, through their recent political activities.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Crime Branch has summoned CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka for questioning. Investigators are examining allegations of violating prohibitory orders, entering Jantar Mantar without permission and trespassing onto another party’s property.
The action follows incidents involving the group’s members in October. On October 10, Das and Ranka were detained and released after signing peace bonds of Rs 50,000 each, along with an undertaking to avoid activities that could disturb public order for one year.
However, on October 13, the two, along with CJP member Ajinkya Shinde, allegedly crossed police barricades and climbed the locked gates of Jantar Mantar. They raised slogans demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.
The Opposition has rejected the allegations of foreign funding. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge questioned the Centre’s claims and demanded evidence to support accusations of foreign interference in political activities.
Kharge also challenged the authorities to establish the basis of the allegations, questioning the effectiveness of India’s intelligence agencies.
The controversy has further intensified the political debate over foreign funding, public protests and the functioning of democratic institutions.
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