Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday accused the Centre of intimidating student protesters during a media interaction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
He claimed he received repeated threats during the recent agitation and was warned of consequences for his family if he did not join the BJP.
Calling the alleged intimidation ‘shameful’, Dipke also accused the government of prioritising elections over students’ futures and neglecting education and examination reforms.
“If fighting for democracy, questioning the government and protecting the right to education is considered corrupting the culture, then I will continue that struggle,” Dipke said.
He also alleged that students continue to face intimidation and arrests even after the protests ended.
Targets Centre over police action, new Edu Minister
Rejecting the BJP’s denial of the alleged firing on student protesters, Dipke claimed he had personally visited injured students in hospitals in Bihar. He alleged that weapons, including AK-47s and ‘belt guns’, were used during the protests, leaving several students injured and some with vision loss.
He further alleged that weapons intended for anti-terror operations were deployed against students and said responsibility for the alleged firing rested with the Union Home Ministry.
Reacting to the appointment of the new Union Education Minister, Dipke described the minister as merely a “replacement copy” of the predecessor.
He also levelled allegations against the BJP over its handling of criminal cases involving some political leaders. He reiterated his faith in the Constitution and Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals, saying the movement would continue through democratic means.
Raises paper leak issue, questions education priorities
Turning to recurring paper-leak cases in Maharashtra, Dipke called for a statewide agitation and alleged that governments were more focused on elections than education.
He questioned why special arrangements are made during elections but not for students travelling for competitive examinations, claiming many candidates from remote districts are forced to spend nights on the streets.
“The government’s priority is winning elections, not the future of students,” he said, while reaffirming his faith in the Constitution and saying the movement would continue through democratic means.
