'Nothing wrong in forming a political party': Abhijeet Dipke to unveil CJP's education roadmap at Pune protest today

PUNE: Saying there was nothing unusual about a public movement evolving into a political party, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Thursday announced that the outfit would unveil an education manifesto during its protest in Pune.

Addressing a press conference ahead of the agitation, Dipke said the manifesto would focus on preventing recurring examination paper leaks and introducing reforms aimed at strengthening India's education system.

Responding to comparisons with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Dipke said, "We will learn from the mistakes of others and from our own mistakes as we move forward."

The protest is scheduled to be held near the Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar statue on the Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) campus at 4pm. Dipke invited students and people across ideological lines to participate.

He revealed that before launching the CJP, he had been considering settling in the United States and was applying for jobs there. However, the overwhelming public response to his campaign convinced him to return to India and pursue the movement.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk is expected to attend the protest, which Dipke said would remain peaceful.

Reiterating his willingness to engage with the government, Dipke said, "The ball is in the government's court. We are ready for dialogue. If they call us, we will meet them. But they are shutting down our social media accounts and portraying us as a threat to national security."

Rejecting allegations that the movement was built on a "fake narrative", he questioned how concerns over examination paper leaks and students' futures could be dismissed.

"Ignoring the concerns of children is a bigger mistake. Talk to them, resolve their issues and don't dismiss them," he said.

Social activist and advocate Aseem Sarode, who accompanied Dipke, criticised the government's response to public movements and student concerns. He said democratic institutions weaken when governments fail to engage with peaceful protests and civic activism.

Referring to deaths allegedly linked to examination-related stress and irregularities, Sarode questioned the lack of accountability and response from authorities.

Social activist Vishwambhar Choudhary, who extended support to the movement, said Dipke had consistently emphasised the principles of Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar, ensuring that the agitation remained non-violent.

"He may not have all the answers, but he is learning. He is raising questions that concern all of us and strengthening democratic participation," Choudhary said.