New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has responded sharply to Union minister Ramdas Athawale’s suggestion that he join the Republican Party of India (A), a constituent of the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance at the Centre.
Taking to Instagram, Dipke recalled the criticism directed at him during last month’s student protests and wrote: “Abhi ek mahine pehle toh me anti-national tha tumhare liye?” (Just a month ago, wasn’t I anti-national for you?)
Athawale’s Offer
Athawale had on Monday urged Dipke to consider joining the RPI (A), saying his participation could help advance Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar’s vision and strengthen both society and the party.
“I think Abhijeet Dipke is an Ambedkarite. He is active and young. He should consider joining Republic Party of India (A),” Athawale told reporters.
The Union minister added, “We are a government that believes people should be punished if they do wrong. So, he should join the ruling faction.”
Athawale’s comments appeared to be linked to the protests organised by the CJP and students at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar last month. The demonstrators had raised concerns over examination paper leaks, student suicides and the need for changes in the education system, as reported by Hindustan Times.
The protests continued to put pressure on the Centre and eventually preceded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25. Pralhad Joshi later took charge of the ministry.
In his resignation statement, Pradhan referred to the need to prevent what he described as “anti-national forces” from taking advantage of the situation.
“Considering the situation at Jantar Mantar and across the country, with the aim of preventing anti-national forces from exploiting it, preserving national unity, ensuring that not a single Indian student’s future gets entangled in legal complexities, and allowing our children to devote their time to studies and focus on building their careers, I have submitted my resignation to the Honorable Prime Minister,” he wrote on X.
Dipke Recalls ‘Anti-National’ Tag
Dipke’s reaction came after he had repeatedly objected to the use of the “anti-national” label against students who participated in protests.
On August 7, he endorsed RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat’s remarks that members of Gen Z should not be branded “anti-national” merely for voicing genuine grievances. Bhagwat had also said that protesting was their right.
“The most significant statement made by Mohan Bhagwat yesterday was that Gen Z should not be called anti-nationals. He stated that protesting is their right and their issues are genuine. I completely agree with this,” Dipke had told ANI.
He further appealed to Bhagwat to ensure that BJP leaders and Prime Minister Narendra Modi followed the same position. Dipke alleged that members of the BJP had earlier used severe language while speaking about the protesting students.
“It is the BJP members themselves who are calling them anti-nationals. Dharmendra Pradhan had called them the ‘B-team of terrorists,’ and Nitin Nabin called them a ‘virus.’ I hope they will now listen to Mohan Bhagwat ji and heed his words, as it is unlikely that the BJP would go against the RSS and say anything contrary,” he said back then.
