‘Wasn’t I an anti-national’: Abhijeet Dipke on Union Minister’s offer to join his party

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke has responded to Republican Party of India (A) leader Ramdas Athawale's offer for Dipke to join Athawale's party. In a post on Instagram, Dipke questioned whether he was an "anti-national" for Athawale a month ago, alluding to Athawale's offer.

Athawale, a Union Minister in Prime Minister Narendra Modi's cabinet, proposed Dipke consider joining his party in an effort to fulfill Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream and strengthen society. Athawale, speaking at an event in Maharashtra, praised Dipke's activism and youthfulness, suggesting he should join the Republican Party of India.

The minister further stated that the government believes those who do wrong should be punished. Dipke, currently campaigning in his home state of Maharashtra, recently launched a campaign called "School Thik Karo" to improve government schools' educational infrastructure, increase funding, and enhance the quality of mid-day meals.

Last month, Dipke led a successful protest at Jantar Mantar, resulting in Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation. The CJP leader has ruled out entering electoral politics, believing that people have lost faith in the political system. When asked about speculation that he might contest the Lok Sabha elections, Dipke said that if the government improved government schools, there would be no issue for him to contest elections.

Dipke has previously ruled out electoral politics, citing a loss of faith in the political system among the public. In response to speculation about his potential candidacy in the Lok Sabha elections, Dipke stated that if government schools were properly maintained, there would be no need for him to contest elections.