'Step Down, Become An Influencer': CJP's Dipke Targets PM Modi Over Viral Videos After Delhi Protest

Published 30 July 2026 · local

'Step Down, Become An Influencer': CJP's Dipke Targets PM Modi Over Viral Videos After Delhi Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 08:08 IST

'Step Down, Become An Influencer': CJP's Dipke Targets PM Modi Over Viral Videos After Delhi Protest Published By, Last Updated: July 30, 2026, 08:08 IST The remarks come against the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent Instagram outreach amid the nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak. Screengrab of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Instagram reel and file image of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke. (Source: X/PTI) Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his viral social media videos, saying he would be better suited as an influencer than as the country’s leader. Speaking to reporters after returning to his hometown of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar following the month-long Jantar Mantar protest over the NEET paper leak, Dipke was asked whether he had watched the Prime Minister’s videos on social media. Responding to the question, Dipke quipped, “I think he would do very well as an influencer. He is doing an excellent job in that role. Perhaps he should step down as Prime Minister and become an influencer, while someone else handles the responsibilities of governing." The remarks came days after the Centre accepted the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following massive protests led by students demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak. Also Read: Real Politics In The World Of Reels: After PM Modi’s Push, BJP Ministers, Leaders Go ‘Students Are Not Terrorists’ Dipke also alleged that police were continuing to harass student activists despite the conclusion of the agitation. He claimed police personnel were visiting the homes of protesters in several states and threatening them with arrest. “The government should behave well now. The blood of students was spilled on the streets on July 20 (during the March to Parliament).

It was really bad. Wasn’t it enough, now that the students are still being troubled? In many states, police are visiting the houses of students and threatening them with arrests," he said. Demanding action against those responsible for ordering pellet gun firing during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar, Dipke said, “Whether it be Amit Shah (or anyone else), action should be taken against the person who gave orders to fire pellet guns." He warned that students could launch another agitation if the alleged harassment continued. Also Read: Tears & Takedowns: Viral Videos Abusing PM Modi On Delhi Police’s Radar “These students are not terrorists. They are the future of our country. If the future of the country is troubled in such a way, just as Dharmendra Pradhan had to step down…Tomorrow, we will go and change the government if it doesn’t fall in line," the CJP founder said. ‘Take Action Against Person Who Gave Orders To Fire Pellet Guns’ Later, while speaking to reporters at his residence, Dipke reiterated his criticism of the use of pellet guns against student protesters. “What was the reason for using pellet guns? Pellet guns should not be used against anyone. They (students) are citizens of our country and not terrorists. Whether it be (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah, action should be taken against the person who gave orders to fire pellet guns," he said. Dipke also defended celebrations by CJP volunteers after Pradhan’s resignation, saying, “The volunteers were sitting in the harsh sun and in the rain for thirty-six days. What is wrong (with celebrating) after such a big victory. What does the BJP do after winning elections? The volunteers did not block roads like the BJP people do." Questioning the BJP’s criticism, he added, “Did the BJP not feel any shame in felicitating Dharmendra Pradhan in Parliament after students had committed suicide?" ‘Govt Should Fall In Line, Else Students Will Do It’ Asked whether the CJP planned another protest, Dipke said the government was itself creating the conditions for fresh demonstrations.