RTI activist petitions probe into CJP founder's father's wealth and Rs 1 crore defence fund
A Surat-based RTI activist has asked authorities to examine the finances of the Cockroach Janta Party founder’s retired father and to verify the legality of a Rs 1 crore defence fund pledged by senior advocate Kapil Sibal.
Surat activist Amit Tiwari submitted formal letters to the Election Commission of India and the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs demanding scrutiny of the financial background of Bhagwanrao Dipke, a retired Maharashtra government employee who financed his son Abhijeet Dipke’s studies abroad. Tiwari highlighted that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) operates without official registration, raising concerns about its ability to collect and hold a Rs 1 crore legal defence fund announced by senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal for protesters arrested in the NEET paper-leak controversy.
He requested the EC verify whether the CJP is listed under section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and warned that non-registration could breach election-law provisions. Additionally, Tiwari asked the tax authority to determine if an 18% GST charge applies to the pledged amount. The activist’s filings aim to ensure transparency in political financing and compliance with tax and election regulations.
Why it matters
The request could expose possible violations in political fundraising and tax compliance, affecting public trust in emerging parties.
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