NAGPUR: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has questioned Union minister Ramdas Athawale’s offer to join his party, recalling that he had been called “anti-national” only a month earlier.“Abhi ek mahine pehle toh me anti-national tha tumhare liye?” (Just a month ago, wasn't I anti-national for you?) Dipke wrote on his Instagram story.

Athawale, who heads the Republican Party of India (A), had invited Dipke to join the party and enter politics.The RPI(A) is part of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) at the Centre.Athawale said Dipke, whom he described as a young and active Ambedkarite, should consider entering politics to help fulfil Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision and strengthen society and the party.

'New faces from the BJP and its ally NCP are expected to be inducted'

Athawale also said, a reshuffle of the Union cabinet could take place “very soon” following organisational changes within the BJP.New faces from the BJP and its ally NCP are expected to be inducted, he said.Athawale also appealed to eight NCP (SP) MPs to join the NDA government if party chief Sharad Pawar declines to join the ruling alliance.He urged the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) to bridge ideological differences and join the NDA, saying this would help strengthen development efforts.