The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is facing its first major internal challenge after activist Manish Brahmbhatt launched the Cockroach Janta Party-Democratic (CJP-D), positioning it as an alternative to the Abhijeet Dipke-led organisation. The development signals a growing dispute over who should control a movement that emerged from student-led protests and education-related grievances.
Brahmbhatt has accused the existing CJP leadership of becoming a “handpicked team” and alleged that it has moved closer to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). He has also questioned the representation of grassroots volunteers, arguing that those who participated in the protests were not adequately consulted while the organisation’s new leadership structure was being created. These allegations have not been independently established.
The dispute highlights a familiar problem for movements that quickly transition from street mobilisation to organised political platforms: who gets to speak for the original supporters? CJP initially gained attention through an online campaign before expanding into student activism around examination irregularities and wider education concerns. Its rapid growth created a broader base than any single leadership group.
The breakaway faction says it wants to build a national organisation through greater participation from volunteers and protesters. That could appeal to activists who fear centralisation, but turning that promise into an effective political structure will be the real test.
Dipke, meanwhile, has rejected suggestions that CJP is a political “B-team”, saying the organisation remains focused on students and education.
What Happens Next?
The CJP-D split could either weaken the original movement through fragmentation or force both sides to demonstrate stronger grassroots legitimacy. For CJP-D, proving that it represents more than a leadership rebellion will be critical. For Dipke’s CJP, maintaining credibility among the volunteers who helped build its movement may become equally important.
The immediate contest is therefore not simply about AAP or BJP. It is about who controls the narrative, organisation and political direction of the student movement.
