The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday addressed questions over the absence of women in the organisation's newly announced spokesperson team, saying female members who were approached for the role chose not to take public-facing positions because of online abuse and threats.

The clarification came after social media users criticised the movement's all-male spokesperson lineup announced ahead of its planned protest in New Delhi.

"We did offered the role to our female team members, but many told us they would prefer to be actively involved without being at the forefront due to the constant online attacks and threats we are receiving. We respect their decision," Dipke said in a post on X.

He added that the organisation remains open to women taking up leadership roles and invited young women who are willing to step forward as spokespersons to join the movement.

The controversy erupted after CJP introduced three official spokespersons who will represent the organisation before the public and the media.

The movement named investigative journalist Saurav Das as its Chief Spokesperson, while political researcher and filmmaker Vijeta Dahiya and public policy commentator Ashutosh Ranka were appointed as spokespersons.

Soon after the announcement, users on social media questioned why the team did not include a single woman, prompting criticism over representation within the organisation.

In its announcement, CJP said the spokespersons would be responsible for communicating the movement's position, engaging with the media and leading its public outreach efforts.

What is CJP preparing for?

The spokesperson appointments come ahead of Dipke's return to India on June 6 for a proposed protest seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over examination-related lapses.