Abhijeet Dipke refuses to leave as cops clear protest site after extension denial
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke’s appeal to extend permission for the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar was turned down by Delhi Police on
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke’s appeal to extend permission for the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar was turned down by Delhi Police on Saturday, as authorities maintained that the demonstration was allowed only until 5 pm. Dipke, however, said he would not leave the venue until the Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, while urging police to allow the protest to continue. Read Full Story Addressing a large gathering of students and supporters at the party’s second demonstration at Jantar Mantar, organised over alleged examination irregularities, paper leaks and demands for government accountability, Dipke said that while the channel for dialogue remained open, the “only condition is that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign.” “I request the authorities, since youth from across the country are here and want to continue sitting until we get justice. I urge Delhi Police to extend our permission. The protest has been peaceful; we are just innocent students seeking justice." the youth leader added. He also urged Delhi Police to “open a dialogue with the Centre” and asserted, “If there are arrests, I will be the first to court arrest.” Dipke appealed to supporters to join the protest at 6 pm, expressing confidence that police would grant an extension of permission.
Following the appeal, Delhi Police reiterated that permission for the protest was valid only till 5 pm and asked participants to vacate the premises, effectively cancelling the request for extension. CJP leaders, however, announced that they would not leave the site. Subsequently, police personnel initiated a peaceful evacuation process, entering the protest area and directing participants to disperse. No force was used at the time of reporting. While most protesters complied and vacated the venue, Dipke and a few student leaders affiliated with AISA remained on the stage. The protest began earlier in the day amid heavy police deployment, with students raising slogans and holding placards demanding answers from the government over alleged failures in ensuring transparent examinations and safeguarding the interests of aspirants. Supporters of party’s founder Dipke responded to his call to bring “thali and chammach” (plates and spoons), using them as symbols of protest and banging them during the demonstration. Protesters also raised slogans such as “Dharmendra Pradhan must resign,” reiterating their demand for accountability in examination-related issues. Dipke was greeted with loud cheers upon his arrival at the protest site and said the movement was aimed at resolving the grievances faced by students.
The BriefWire