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

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke dismissed Union Minister Ramdas Athawale's proposal for him to join his party, questioning whether he was once an anti-national. Athawale, a member of the Union Cabinet under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggested Dipke consider joining his Republican Party of India (RPI), which is part of the ruling NDA coalition.

In a statement posted on Instagram, Athawale argued that Dipke, being an Ambedkarite and active young individual, should join RPI to help strengthen the party and fulfill Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's vision. The minister also mentioned that those who engage in wrongdoing should face consequences.

Dipke, who launched a campaign called "School Thik Karo" (Improve Schools) in his home state of Maharashtra, focused on enhancing government schools' infrastructure, increasing funding, and improving the quality of mid-day meals. The campaign gained traction last week, with Dipke addressing issues in schools across the country.

Last month, Dipke spearheaded a protest at Jantar Mantar, which resulted in the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister. CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke has expressed his disinterest in entering electoral politics, stating that people have lost faith in the political system. When asked about rumors that he might contest the upcoming Lok Sabha elections from Hingoli constituency, Dipke asserted that if the government successfully improves government schools, there would be no reason for him to participate in elections.

He further noted that some individuals were opposed to improving government schools because it could benefit the children of poor families, potentially jeopardizing the political aspirations of current leaders.