A dispute over alleged funding for the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and political protests in India has triggered a sharp exchange on social media platform X between American singer Mary Millben and the organisation’s founder, Abhijit Dipke. Millben advised Dipke to engage in dialogue with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and contribute to the country’s development, while Dipke questioned the involvement of foreign nationals in India’s internal affairs.
The dispute centres on allegations that CJP has received funding from American sources to organise protests in India. Millben claimed in a social media post that the organisation was receiving US funding to stage demonstrations. She also appealed to Indian youth to unite and express their views peacefully against such activities.
Millben advised Dipke to sit down with Prime Minister Narendra Modi for discussions and contribute to the country’s progress. Her message emphasised dialogue as a means of addressing political differences and working towards national development.
The allegation that CJP receives American funding has not been independently established in the information available. Verification would require relevant financial records or findings from an official investigation.
Responding to Millben, Dipke questioned the role of foreign nationals in India's domestic affairs. He maintained that Indian citizens are capable of addressing their own issues and do not require external intervention in matters concerning their country.
Dipke argued that Indian citizens should have the right to express their views and make decisions on issues involving political dissent and protests. He also questioned why Americans were being approached for support to discredit Indian citizens in matters concerning Prime Minister Modi.
The exchange consequently extended beyond the allegations surrounding CJP's funding to encompass political dissent, public commentary by foreign nationals and questions of India's sovereignty.
In her post, Millben cautioned Dipke that support from American donors might not be permanent. She argued that donors could distance themselves from a movement if it failed to achieve its objectives.
She also advised Dipke to use his American education and talents for constructive activities and urged him to engage with Prime Minister Modi to contribute to India's progress.
Millben further stated that illegal activities should not succeed. However, determining whether an organisation or movement is unlawful requires an assessment based on applicable laws and established facts.
Millben has previously expressed support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi on several Indian political and social issues.
During the farmers' protests against agricultural laws in February 2021, she supported the Modi government's agricultural reforms and expressed confidence in the Prime Minister's approach to improving farmers' lives.
In August 2023, amid discussions surrounding violence in Manipur, Millben also voiced support for Modi's leadership, emphasising her confidence in India's leadership.
In 2023, she criticised the BBC documentary India: The Modi Question, which raised questions about Narendra Modi's role during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Millben expressed support for the Modi government in response to the documentary.
Following the implementation of the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) in March 2024, she praised the government's decision. During the Lok Sabha elections, she also appealed to Indian voters to support Modi.
These statements reflect Millben's publicly expressed positions on several political issues and decisions of the Modi government.
The allegations surrounding CJP's purported foreign funding have also prompted political exchanges in India.
According to the available account, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey questioned the source of funding for Abhijit Dipke's education in the United States. He also asked whether a foundation associated with American businessman George Soros had played a role in financing his education.
BJP president Nitin Nabin also accused the opposition and CJP of attempting to create instability in the country with foreign assistance.
Additionally, in August 2026, RTI activist Amit Tiwari reportedly called for an investigation into the funding of Dipke's education and CJP's legal assistance fund.
These allegations and demands must be distinguished from established findings. Questions about an individual's education expenses or an organisation's activities do not, by themselves, establish the existence of foreign funding. Financial records, donor disclosures and investigations by the relevant authorities would be necessary to assess the claims.
Dipke has previously rejected allegations that CJP's movements receive foreign funding. According to him, he and his friends jointly cover the expenses of the organisation's programmes and activities.
He has claimed that the organisation has not received financial assistance from external donors or major industrialists. He has also referred to plans to raise funds through crowdfunding in the future.
Addressing the allegations, Dipke questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah, arguing that investigating and preventing the use of foreign money in a movement would fall within the Home Ministry's responsibilities.
A definitive assessment of the funding allegations would require consideration of the organisation's response alongside available financial documents and the findings of any official investigation.
The exchange comes amid protests by opposition parties and CJP against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) process and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, according to the available account.
SIR is a process for the special intensive revision of electoral rolls. While its purpose is to review voter lists, political parties may differ over its implementation, transparency and potential effects.
Against this backdrop, the debate over CJP's alleged funding has brought renewed attention to political protests and the role of foreign support. However, establishing a direct connection between the funding allegations and demonstrations against SIR would require substantive evidence.
The exchange between Millben and Dipke raises questions about political expression, public statements by foreign nationals and the financial transparency of organisations operating in India.
Millben urged Dipke to engage with Prime Minister Modi and pursue dialogue, while Dipke questioned the role of foreign nationals and emphasised the right of Indians to make decisions on their country's internal affairs.
The distinction between political allegations and verified facts remains central to the dispute. Confirmation of the claims concerning CJP's alleged foreign funding would require evidence regarding the organisation's finances and the findings of relevant investigations. Until such evidence is established, the allegations remain unverified.
