American Singer Mary Millben and CJP Founder Trade Barbs Over Foreign Funding Claims

American singer Mary Millben and Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke traded sharp words on social media regarding the alleged foreign funding of the outfit leading protests in India.

Foreign Funding Claims

Ms. Millben claimed in a post on X that the CJP receives funding from donors in the U.S. who oppose Prime Minister Narendra Modi. She urged young patriots in India to peacefully protest the disruptive spirit of the Dipke-founded outfit. She also alleged a global pattern where select donors target conservative leaders, radicalize a U.S.-educated person from that country, and fund them to cause chaos.

The Counter-Response

Mr. Dipke hit back at the American singer and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi was seeking support from Americans to discredit his own countrymen. He stated that foreign nationals have no right to interfere in India's internal affairs and that the country is capable of handling its own issues. Ms. Millben responded by saying the Prime Minister does not need American support, pointing out that he has the backing of 1.5 billion Indian citizens and has served for 25 years, including 12 years as Prime Minister across three consecutive terms. She also cautioned Mr. Dipke that his U.S. donors would drop him if he fails and suggested he use his U.S. education to speak with the Prime Minister instead.

Protests Background

The public exchange took place amid protests in New Delhi by opposition parties and the CJP demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The protests are over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

Context

Public exchanges between international public figures and domestic political figures often draw intense social media attention during periods of domestic political unrest. Mary Millben is known in India for previously singing the Indian national anthem during the Prime Minister's visit to the U.S. in 2023.