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CJP backs INDIA bloc rally but rules out formal participation

"The Cockroach Janta Party is an independent organisation and a neutral platform. We want to maintain that identity."

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke met Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Delhi on Saturday, expressing solidarity with the INDIA bloc's rally against electoral irregularities but ruling out the outfit's formal participation.

Dipke said he met Banerjee to thank her for supporting the CJP's youth-led protests, including its demonstration at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak. He also acknowledged her support when CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were arrested by Delhi Police.

"I came here to thank Didi because she strongly supported our first Jantar Mantar movement and stood firmly with the youth movement. Even when Saurav and Ashutosh were arrested by Delhi Police, Didi stood with us," Dipke said.

He said the organisation supported Sunday's INDIA bloc rally at Ramlila Maidan but wanted to retain its independent identity.

"We support tomorrow's protest and stand in solidarity with it. However, the Cockroach Janta Party is an independent organisation and a neutral platform. We want to maintain that identity," he said.

Dipke added that the CJP would support all organisations fighting electoral irregularities, regardless of their political affiliations.

Banerjee praised the activists for their role in protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and the Election Commission. She said the CJP had extended support to Sunday's rally and that her party had reciprocated.

She also invited Dipke and other CJP activists to visit West Bengal and organise programmes there.

The INDIA bloc is taking place at Ramlila Maidan on November 1. Opposition parties are expected to demand accountability from the Election Commission over electoral irregularities and seek the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The mobilisation includes a march from Minto Road to Ramlila Maidan, followed by a rally. The CJP has reiterated its demand for Kumar's resignation while maintaining that it will not formally join the opposition demonstration.

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