American singer and actress Mary Millben on October 14 alleged that US-based donors were financially supporting the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a political movement involved in protests against the Election Commission of India. She accused the alleged donors of opposing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his leadership, while urging young Indians to counter the group’s activities peacefully.
According to a report by the Press Trust of India (PTI), Millben specifically named CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and raised concerns about what she described as foreign-backed political mobilisation.
In her remarks, Millben said it was “not the time to be silent” and called on what she described as “young patriots” to stand against the organisation’s “disruptive spirit”.
“Do not fear, my young patriots. Your Prime Minister, who has served India for 25 years, 12 years as Prime Minister, elected three consecutive terms, is not going to bow to disruptive forces from my country,” she said.
Millben also alleged that certain international donors follow a pattern of targeting conservative political leaders by identifying people educated in the United States, radicalising them and subsequently funding their activities after they return to their home countries. She claimed that such efforts had failed to achieve their intended objectives but had affected governance and development.
CJP protests against Chief Election Commissioner
Millben’s remarks come amid protests in New Delhi by CJP supporters and members of opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The demonstrators have raised concerns over the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. They allege that the exercise lacks transparency and could lead to eligible voters being excluded from electoral lists.
CJP leaders have demanded Kumar’s resignation and sought the registration of a criminal case against him over the alleged irregularities. The movement has also questioned the removal of names from electoral rolls, arguing that the process could disenfranchise eligible voters and potentially benefit the ruling party.
The Election Commission, meanwhile, has defended the SIR exercise as a lawful process intended to maintain accurate electoral rolls by removing deceased, duplicate and otherwise ineligible entries.
From online satire to street protests
The Cockroach Janata Party emerged in mid-2026 as a satirical online movement founded by Abhijeet Dipke, who has been associated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
The group initially relied on internet satire, political messaging and social media campaigns before expanding its activities to street protests and political mobilisation.
Over time, the CJP has sought to establish itself as a pressure group on issues ranging from examination-related controversies to electoral roll revision. Its activities have attracted political attention, with the group claiming to represent young people concerned about governance, employment and institutional accountability.
SIR controversy brings CJP and opposition parties together
The movement has alleged that the revision process resulted in the removal of more than 130 million names from voter lists. It has raised concerns about transparency and the possibility of eligible voters being excluded. However, the material cited in the allegations does not establish that all the names in question belonged to eligible voters who were wrongfully removed.
The Election Commission has defended the legality of the revision process, maintaining that electoral rolls must be updated to ensure their accuracy. The dispute has brought the CJP and opposition parties together in protests and demands for action against Kumar.
Who is Mary Millben?
Mary Millben is an African-American singer and actress from Oklahoma who has performed for several US presidents, including George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden.
She gained prominence among Indian audiences after singing the Indian national anthem during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Washington, DC, in 2023. She has also performed Indian devotional songs, including “Om Jai Jagdish Hare”, and participated in cultural and sporting events associated with India.
Millben has frequently expressed admiration for India and its leadership. Her latest remarks have brought international attention to the CJP’s protests against the Election Commission.
As of October 14, the dispute continues, with protesters demanding Kumar’s resignation and the Election Commission defending the SIR exercise. Millben’s allegations have added an international dimension to the domestic political debate.
