Brahmbhatt launches CJP-Democratic, accuses Dipke-led platform of aligning with AAP - The Hindu

**Manish Brahmbhatt launches Cockroach Janta Party‑Democratic, accuses Abhijeet Dipke’s faction of siding with the Aam Aadmi Party**

New Delhi – On Saturday, former CJP stalwart Manish Brahmbhatt announced the formation of a splinter group, the Cockroach Janta Party‑Democratic (CJP‑D), in a press conference that drew a small crowd of volunteers and media representatives. Brahmbhatt, who had been a prominent figure in the original Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), said the move was necessitated by what he described as “a fundamental deviation from the party’s core anti‑establishment ethos.” He positioned CJP‑D as a “true democratic alternative” that will continue the original party’s focus on grassroots mobilisation and anti‑corruption advocacy.

In his address, Brahmbhatt leveled serious allegations against the faction led by Abhijeet Dipke, accusing it of covertly aligning with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Citing recent statements and social‑media activity, he claimed that Dipke’s group has “begun to echo AAP’s policy language” and has “opened channels of dialogue with Kejriwal’s team,” effectively rebranding itself as “Team Kejriwal.” The new faction warned that such an alignment threatens to dilute the CJP’s distinct identity and could mislead supporters who joined the movement for its unapologetically anti‑establishment stance.

Dipke, when approached for comment, rejected the accusations, describing them as “political mud‑slinging” aimed at sowing division within the party. In an interview with the Hindustan Times, he said, “We are a ‘students’ team, decide amongst yourself,” emphasizing that the CJP remains a broad coalition of young activists with diverse viewpoints. The split, already covered by outlets such as NDTV, India Today, and the Times of India, underscores growing fragmentation in India’s fringe political scene, where personal rivalries and strategic alliances are reshaping the landscape ahead of upcoming local elections. Observers note that the emergence of CJP‑D could fragment the anti‑incumbent vote, while the alleged AAP overture may signal the ruling party’s interest in courting disaffected protest movements.