Union Minister Ramdas Athawale has extended a political invitation to Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, asking the young activist to consider joining the Republican Party of India (Athawale), an ally of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance.
Athawale said Dipke, whom he described as an Ambedkarite and an active young leader, could contribute to society and work towards what he called the vision of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar.
The offer comes amid Dipke’s growing visibility following his involvement in student-related protests and campaigns over education and governance issues.
Athawale asks Dipke to join RPI(A)
Speaking to reporters, Athawale said Dipke should consider entering the RPI(A) and becoming part of the political system.
“I think Abhijeet Dipke is an Ambedkarite. He is active and young. He should consider joining Republic Party of India (A),” Athawale said.
The Union minister also linked the invitation to the broader objective of strengthening society and advancing Ambedkar’s ideals.
The RPI(A), headed by Athawale, is part of the BJP-led NDA at the Centre.
Dipke has earlier rejected electoral politics
Dipke has not publicly accepted or responded to Athawale’s offer so far. His previous statements suggest that he is not currently interested in turning the CJP into a conventional political party.
The CJP founder has argued that public confidence in political parties and the electoral system has declined. Instead of entering electoral politics, he has advocated building a broader public movement around issues affecting ordinary citizens.
He has also raised concerns about the functioning of institutions and alleged political interference in areas including elections and investigative agencies.
CJP’s student protests brought Dipke into spotlight
Dipke gained wider attention through the CJP’s protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG controversy.
The movement at Jantar Mantar had put pressure on the government over demands linked to examination reforms and accountability. The agitation eventually became a major political issue and was followed by the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Athawale’s invitation comes against this backdrop, as Dipke continues to position the CJP as a pressure group rather than an electoral organisation.
‘School Thik Karo’ campaign launched
Dipke has also recently shifted attention towards government-school infrastructure through the “School Thik Karo” campaign.
The initiative was launched from his native village in Maharashtra’s Hingoli district. Dipke called on parents and local representatives to push for better facilities in government schools and argued that children in rural areas should have access to educational facilities comparable to those available in cities.
He has also spoken about controlling private-school fees and improving basic infrastructure in government-run institutions.
What happens next?
For now, there is no indication that Dipke has accepted Athawale’s proposal. His earlier position has been that the CJP should remain a public movement rather than become another political party.
The latest invitation, however, could open a new political possibility for the young activist if he eventually decides to enter electoral politics.
