Abhijeet Dipke reacts to offer to join NDA camp: ‘Wasn't I anti-national for you a month ago?'

E-PaperSubscribeSubscribeEnjoy unlimited accessSubscribe Now! Get features like Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has responded to Union minister Ramdas Athawale’s offer for him to join the Republican Party of India (A). The party is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has reacted to Ramdas Athawale’s invitation to join the Republican Party of India (A). (REUTERS)“Abhi ek mahine pehle toh me anti-national tha tumhare liye?” (Just a month ago, I was an anti-national for you)" Dipke wrote on Instagram, sharing a Hindustan Times report. Athawale on Monday said Abhijeet Dipke should consider joining his party to “fulfil Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar's dream” and help strengthen society and the RPI (A). ALSO READ | Dipke gets offer from Union minister to join BJP-led NDA faction: ‘We are a government that…’ “I think Abhijeet Dipke is an Ambedkarite. He is active and young. He should consider joining Republic Party of India (A),” Athawale told reporters. “We are a government that believes people should be punished if they do wrong. So, he should join the ruling faction,” he said. Athawale’s remarks appeared to refer to the CJP and student-led protests at Jantar Mantar last month over exam paper leaks, student suicides and reform in the education system. The continued pressure forced the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Union education minister on July 25. Pralhad Joshi has since taken the helm. Abhijeet Dipke’s “anti-national” remark comes in the wake of his criticism of BJP leaders over the use of the label against protesting students. On August 7, Dipke backed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks that Gen Z should not be labelled “anti-national” for raising genuine concerns through protests. He had also asked Bhagwat to convey the same message to BJP leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. “The most significant statement made by Mohan Bhagwat yesterday was that Gen Z should not be called anti-nationals. He stated that protesting is their right and their issues are genuine. I completely agree with this,” Dipke had told ANI. He had also alleged that BJP leaders previously used strong language against protesting students. “It is the BJP members themselves who are calling them anti-nationals. Dharmendra Pradhan had called them the 'B-team of terrorists,' and Nitin Nabin called them a 'virus.' I hope they will now listen to Mohan Bhagwat ji and heed his words, as it is unlikely that the BJP would go against the RSS and say anything contrary,” he said back then. Anita Goswami is a Senior Content Producer at Hindustan Times, where she primarily covers Indian and international news. With four years of industry experience, she has led coverage of Indian General elections, Assembly elections, and national polls in the United States, Canada, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Her reporting covers global wars and major events, including Operation Sindoor, Sheikh Hasina's ouster and the Mahakumbh Mela. She verifies facts and uses clear sources to ensure accurate reporting. As former Chief Copy Editor at Storytailors, she managed teams to produce top-quality content for networks like NDTV, Profit, CNBC-TV18, Upstox and News18. Her work is featured in NDTV, Meaww, and Global Pulse. Throughout her tenure, Anita has collaborated with and been mentored by top industry experts. When not reading, Anita can be found outdoors or at a bakery. Fields of interest: Indian political history, international elections, historical policy analysis, global conflicts, cultural events, Formula 1, art, media ethics and reporting on socio-political change over time.Read More