American singer Mary Millben has alleged that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), led by Abhijeet Dipke, is receiving financial support from select donors in the United States who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his leadership.
In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday, October 14, Millben urged young Indians to speak out against what she described as disruptive political forces. She also called for peaceful counter-protests in support of what she termed democracy and freedom.
Her remarks come amid demonstrations in New Delhi involving CJP supporters and opposition groups demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The allegations surrounding the party’s funding have added another dimension to the political dispute
Millben claimed that US-based donors opposed to Modi were funding Abhijeet Dipke and the Cockroach Janata Party.
In her post, she alleged that certain donors follow a pattern of targeting conservative political leaders globally by identifying individuals educated in the United States, radicalising them and subsequently financing activities that could create political instability.
She further argued that such activities could affect a country's development and governance, while urging young Indians to organise peacefully against the political outfit.
However, Millben's statements constitute allegations. The reports cited do not independently establish that CJP received funding from the donors she described.
The Cockroach Janata Party has emerged in the ongoing political confrontation surrounding protests against the Election Commission of India's electoral roll revision exercise.
Demonstrators have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, citing alleged irregularities in the SIR process. The protests have also involved opposition party supporters.
The dispute over electoral roll revision has become a point of political contention, with questions being raised about the process and the Election Commission's role.
Millben's comments have shifted some attention towards the alleged financial backing of the protesting political outfit, although the funding claims require independent verification.
Millben also expressed support for the Modi government, arguing that the Prime Minister would not yield to what she described as disruptive forces originating in the United States.
She appealed to young Indians to organise and peacefully oppose the CJP, framing the proposed counter-movement as a way to uphold democracy and freedom.
The singer is known in India for her performances of the Indian national anthem. She sang Jana Gana Mana at an event in the United States during Modi's visit in 2023 and has publicly praised the Prime Minister on several occasions
Millben's allegation raises questions about the source of CJP's funding, but a public statement alone does not establish that foreign money has been received or that any funding was intended to influence political activity in India.
Verification would require relevant financial records, documentary evidence or findings from an appropriate investigation. The distinction is important because claims involving foreign funding can carry legal and political implications.
For now, the controversy involves competing political claims amid protests over electoral roll revision. Any assessment of the alleged funding must rest on verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated assertions.
The larger issue: As the dispute continues, the questions of electoral transparency, political accountability and the financing of political activity remain central to the debate.