Javed Akhtar denies fake message targeting CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Veteran screenwriter and lyricist Javed Akhtar, one half of the legendary Salim-Javed duo, on Monday, 5 October 2026, publicly denied that a viral message attributed to him — in which he allegedly criticised Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke — was genuine. Writing on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, Akhtar called the circulating post “as fake as fake can be.”
What the Fake Message Claimed
The fabricated message, which spread widely on social media, purported to show Akhtar lambasting Abhijeet Dipke and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). It described Dipke as a “puppet” of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and accused the CJP of running an anti-BJP agenda. The message was shared by accounts opposed to Dipke and his party.
Akhtar's Rebuttal in His Own Words
In a lengthy note posted to X, Akhtar stated: “I, Javed Akhtar want to tell every one that the fake message on the social media that I have criticised CJP and run down Abhijeet Dipke is as fake as fake can be.” He added pointedly: “I am surprised that those who are opposing Dipke and CJP need to borrow credibility from someone like me !! . Yeh Haalut hogayee hai ??? Sad.” The remarks suggest Akhtar viewed the fabrication as an indicator of the weakness of his opponents’ position.
CJP’s Ongoing Protest Campaign
The fake message emerged against the backdrop of a fresh political agitation led by Dipke’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The party launched a protest campaign on 2 October 2026 at Shivaji Park, Mumbai, demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Hundreds of supporters turned out despite Mumbai Police denying permission for the demonstration.
The CJP has alleged irregularities in the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls. The ECI has maintained that the exercise is designed to remove duplicate, deceased and ineligible entries while preserving the registrations of eligible voters.
Protests Expand Nationally; Delhi Demonstration Detained
The CJP has announced plans to take the agitation to Goa, Bengaluru, and Kolkata. Abhijeet Dipke has further declared a march to Jantar Mantar, New Delhi on 10 October 2026, should the Chief Election Commissioner not step down by then. Delhi Police detained a few protestors during a demonstration on 4 October 2026, adding a law-and-order dimension to what began as an electoral accountability campaign.
With the protest set to widen geographically and a hard deadline now placed before the ECI, how political and administrative authorities respond in the coming days will be closely watched.