New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): American singer Mary Millben has alleged that US-based donors opposed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi are financially supporting the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), calling on young Indians to organise peaceful demonstrations against the group.
In a post on Wednesday, Millben accused the party, led by Abhijeet Dipke, of receiving backing from individuals who disagree with Modi’s leadership and political vision. She did not provide documentary evidence to substantiate the funding allegation in the remarks cited.
Millben’s comments came amid protests in New Delhi by CJP members and supporters of opposition parties demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Singer calls for peaceful mobilisation
In her message, Millben urged young Indians to speak out against what she described as disruptive political forces. She also expressed confidence that Modi would not yield to pressure from individuals or groups seeking to challenge his leadership.
The singer further alleged that certain American donors follow a broader pattern of supporting political movements abroad by backing individuals educated in the United States who subsequently return to their home countries and organise campaigns against established leadership.
She argued that a counter-movement was necessary to protect democratic values and freedom, while encouraging young Indians to take the lead in organising peaceful protests.
However, her claims about the CJP’s alleged foreign funding remain allegations and were not independently established by the statements provided.
Political tensions over electoral roll revision
The controversy unfolds against the backdrop of mounting opposition to the SIR exercise, which has prompted protests and demands for greater transparency in the preparation of electoral rolls. CJP and opposition supporters have called for Kumar’s resignation, alleging irregularities in the process. The allegations against the Election Commission have been contested. <Cite refs={[“turn198757search1″,”turn198757news30”]}/>
The dispute has added to tensions between the ruling establishment and protest groups, with questions surrounding electoral procedures, political accountability and the right to demonstrate remaining central to the debate.
Millben’s association with India
Millben, an African-American singer and actress, has developed a public profile in India through performances of Indian patriotic and devotional music. She sang the national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, during an event in the United States in 2023, coinciding with Modi’s visit.
Her latest intervention brings an international voice into an increasingly contentious domestic political debate. Whether her allegations about financial support for the CJP prompt further scrutiny remains to be seen.
