‘Join Republican Party’: Union Minister’s Big NDA Offer To CJP Founder Abhijeet Dipke

Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has invited Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke to join his Republican Party of India (A), which is part of the BJP-led NDA. Athawale said Dipke should consider entering politics to help fulfil Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision and strengthen society and the party. He described Dipke as a young and active Ambedkarite and said the government believes those responsible for wrongdoing should be punished. His remarks appeared to refer to CJP and student-led protests at Jantar Mantar over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and examination irregularities, which were followed by Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as Union education minister. Dipke has not responded to the offer. He has previously ruled out electoral politics, saying people have lost faith in political parties and the election system and calling for a public movement instead.