Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday launched a fresh attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, suggesting that the Prime Minister should give up office and pursue a career as a social media influencer instead.
Speaking to reporters after returning to his hometown in Maharashtra following the resignation of former Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Dipke mocked PM Modi's online messages aimed at students during the nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak.
"I believe Prime Minister Modi is doing better as an influencer. If that is what he wants to focus on, he should step aside and allow someone else to run the government," Dipke said.
Alleges Protesters Still Being Targeted
Dipke alleged that despite the CJP calling off its agitation, student protesters continue to face action in different states.
According to him, authorities are identifying and allegedly harassing those who participated in the demonstrations. He warned that if such actions continue, students would respond through democratic means in future elections.
"The protests may have ended, but the movement has not. If governments continue to target students, they will face the consequences politically," he said.
Says Public Anger Remains
The CJP leader maintained that Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation had not ended public resentment over the examination paper leak issue.
He argued that the protests reflected wider dissatisfaction with the government's handling of students' concerns rather than being directed at a single minister.
Dipke also warned that the agitation could resume on a larger scale if participants continued to face legal or administrative action.
"These are students, not criminals. They represent the country's future. If they continue to be treated unfairly, the movement will return with greater strength," he said.
Demands Action Over Pellet Gun Use
Dipke also sought accountability for the reported use of pellet guns during the protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
He said those responsible for authorising such measures should face action, regardless of their position in government.
Defends Celebration After Pradhan's Exit
Responding to criticism over videos showing CJP supporters celebrating after Pradhan stepped down, Dipke said the volunteers had spent more than a month protesting under difficult weather conditions and had every reason to mark what they viewed as a major achievement.
He also questioned the BJP for honouring Pradhan in Parliament after his resignation, saying the gesture sent the wrong message amid widespread protests over the paper leak controversy.
Questions Government's Promises
Referring to the Centre's announcement on fast-track courts for paper leak cases, Dipke claimed that progress on the ground had not matched the assurances made by the government.
He cited the postponement of an initial court hearing, alleging it reflected a gap between official commitments and implementation.
Responds to Kangana Ranaut's Remarks
Dipke also reacted to comments made by BJP MP Kangana Ranaut, who had criticised the CJP protests and described videos from the demonstrations in harsh terms.
Dismissing her remarks, he said he did not consider Ranaut a serious political figure and would only respond to statements made by politicians he regarded as credible.