Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Dipke met with West Bengal leader Mamata Banerjee on Saturday. During their discussion, Dipke conveyed his gratitude to Banerjee for backing student and youth campaigns that challenged NEET paper leaks alongside alleged electoral irregularities. Following the meeting, however, Dipke made it clear that his organization will not take part in an official capacity in the major opposition rally convened by the INDIA bloc at Ramlila Maidan in Delhi on Sunday.
Outlining the reasoning behind the decision, Abhijit Dipke noted that CJP operates as an autonomous, neutral platform. He stressed that preserving this independent standing remains essential for the group. At the same time, Dipke reaffirmed that his organization will continue extending issue-based solidarity to any entity or collective demonstrating against vote manipulation and election process flaws, regardless of party affiliations.
Gratitude for Backing Past Protests
Addressing reporters following the engagement with Mamata Banerjee, Abhijit Dipke explained that the primary motive of his visit was to offer direct thanks. He highlighted that during CJP's initial protest demonstration at Jantar Mantar over the NEET paper leak controversy, Mamata Banerjee had extended firm backing to the protesting students. Dipke recalled that when key CJP figures Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka were detained and arrested by Delhi Police during that agitations period, Banerjee consistently stood in support of the demonstrators.
When questioned about participating in Sunday's joint demonstration, Dipke reiterated that while his platform agrees with the core demands and expresses solidarity with the protest, CJP chooses not to dilute its non-partisan character. He pointed out that the Cockroach Janata Party is committed to retaining its distinct non-aligned identity, noting that any collective resisting electoral misconduct will receive CJP's backing without regard to which political party is leading the front.
Reflecting on these discussions, Abhijit Dipke shared his perspective in a post published on social platform X.
Praise for Youth Leaders and Bengal Invitation
Following their meeting, Mamata Banerjee offered warm words of commendation for CJP founder Abhijit Dipke and the student organizers associated with the platform. She noted that these young leaders played a pioneering role in mobilizing public attention around issues involving the Special Intensive Revision (SIR), electoral roll discrepancies, and procedural conduct within the Election Commission.
Speaking on their collective efforts, Mamata Banerjee stated that the youth had extended full backing to the Sunday demonstration, while her side had reciprocated with complete assistance. She remarked that she felt proud of them, describing them as the pioneers and founders of the movement who must be remembered as such. Banerjee praised their resilience for sustaining the agitation despite encountering police action and official obstacles. Furthermore, she extended an open invitation to Abhijit Dipke and fellow CJP activists to visit West Bengal and organize programs in the state, remarking that the decision to stage events in Kolkata rests entirely with CJP workers themselves.
Preparations Underway at Ramlila Maidan
The dialogue between Abhijit Dipke and Mamata Banerjee unfolded just hours ahead of the scheduled gathering by the INDIA alliance at Ramlila Maidan on Sunday. The coalition plans to use the massive public rally to challenge alleged irregularities in election administration and raise concerns over voter list integrity. A central demand from the joint opposition platform will be the immediate resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
Delegations, political leaders, and supporters from across the country have begun arriving in the national capital to participate in the assembly. Extensive logistical arrangements have been completed at Ramlila Maidan, featuring a prominent tricolor-themed canopy erected above the main stage. Dedicated seating zones have been designated for representative leaders and contingents from various allied parties comprising the INDIA coalition.
'Chalo Delhi' March and Rally Schedule
Opposition strategists have organized a protest procession titled 'Chalo Delhi' preceding the main gathering. The march is slated to kick off at 12 PM from the Minto Road and Connaught Place junction, proceeding toward Ramlila Maidan. Meanwhile, the formal rally inside the venue has been scheduled to run from 10 AM to 5 PM. Key leaders representing the coalition are scheduled to convene at the official residence of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge before traveling aboard open-top buses to the starting point of the procession.
Beyond formal party delegations, organizers have issued broad public appeals urging college students, youth activists, women's groups, labor organizations, and civil society members to turn out for the demonstration.
CJP has explicitly endorsed the opposition's call seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Nonetheless, Abhijit Dipke maintained that while the organization remains aligned on the issue of institutional accountability and fair balloting, it will not join Sunday's rally as an official participating member.
