States » WestPosted at: Oct 19 2026 10:06PM


IAC President seeks probe into alleged foreign funding of Cockroach Janta Party protest

Pune, Oct 19 (UNI) The protest launched by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) against the functioning of the Election Commission appears to be losing momentum, amid developments including the detention and subsequent release on bail of its founder Abhijeet Dipke, action against key activists and questions over the movement's sources of funding, Hemant Patil, national president of India Against Corruption (IAC) and an RTI activist, said on Monday.
Patil said the direction and objectives of the movement needed closer scrutiny, particularly in view of questions raised about its financial sources.
Former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju has expressed suspicion on social media about possible American interference behind the movement. Questions have also been raised in political circles over the sources of funding received by the CJP, he said.
However, the allegations of foreign funding have not been independently established, and Patil called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
Allegations alone cannot establish anyone's guilt. However, the public must be informed about the sources of funds for the movement, how the money is spent and whether its financial transactions are transparent, he said.
Patil said the right to protest was an integral part of democracy, but the political motives, financial transactions and objectives behind movements that sought to exert political pressure also needed to be examined.
Objections to the functioning of the Election Commission should be raised through constitutional and legal channels and supported by evidence, he said.
Although the CJP has indicated plans to regroup and formulate its future strategy, recent developments appear to have posed challenges to maintaining the movement's earlier momentum, Patil said.
UNI SP RN
Tags: #IAC President seeks probe into alleged foreign funding of Cockroach Janta Party protest
More News

Zeeshan Siddique raises public safety concerns following firing involving Tiger Shroff

20 Oct 2026 | 12:21 AM

Mumbai, Oct 19 (UNI) Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) MLC Zeeshan Siddique has questioned the effectiveness of security arrangements in Mumbai following a reported firing incident involving Bollywood actor Tiger Shroff. He expressed concern over repeated threats and attacks, alleging serious shortcomings in Maharashtra's law enforcement and intelligence systems.

see more..

Maha: Sawail Gandharva Bhimsen festival to be held in Jan 2027

19 Oct 2026 | 11:41 PM

Pune, Oct 19 (UNI) The 72nd edition of the Sawai Gandharva Bhimsen Festival, organised annually by the Arya Sangeet Prasarak Mandal, will be held from January 13 to 17, 2027, at the Fergusson College grounds in Maharashtra's Pune district, announced by Srinivas Joshi, Executive President of the Mandal.

see more..

Angel One opens US share and ETF investments through GIFT City with brokerage waiver until December 2026

19 Oct 2026 | 11:33 PM

Mumbai, Oct 19 (UNI) Angel One has introduced a facility allowing Indian investors to purchase US-listed shares and exchange-traded funds through GIFT City, expanding its international investment services. The brokerage firm has announced zero transaction brokerage charges until December 2026, although regulatory and other applicable costs will continue.

see more..

Maha: BJP infighting, allies' silence raise concerns for Mahayuti in Satara

19 Oct 2026 | 11:04 PM

Satara, Oct 19 (UNI) Political developments in Satara have gathered momentum following the announcement of the Mahayuti alliance's candidate for the Pune Graduate Constituency election, with differences within the BJP and the uncertain stance of its alliance partners raising concerns over the coalition's prospects.

see more..

Maha: RPI welcomes Govt initiative to support drought-hit farmers

19 Oct 2026 | 10:24 PM

Pune, Oct 19 (UNI) Dr Hulgesh Chalwadi, Maharashtra vice-president of the Republican Party of India (Athawale) and chairman of the Chalwadi Educational Institution, has welcomed the Mahayuti government's initiative to mobilise financial assistance for farmers affected by the drought in Maharashtra.

see more..