'Let someone else do PM's tasks': CJP's Dipke says 'Modi good as influencer'

CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: Fresh from the student agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke returned to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Wednesday to a hero’s welcome, but used the occasion to deliver a sharp warning to the Centre, claiming students remained angry over what he called govt’s treatment of protesters.“These students are not terrorists. They are the future of our country. If the future of the country is troubled in this way, students will go and change the govt if it fails to address their concerns,” Dipke said, hours after landing in the city.Claiming victory after 36 days of agitation, Dipke alleged that students had faced force, intimidation and harassment instead of dialogue. “Students’ blood was spilled on the streets, yet govt learnt nothing. Now students from different states are being threatened, and police are visiting their homes. Govt should stop harassing students and listen to them,” he said.Targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Dipke added, “I see his videos regularly. He is doing very well as an influencer. Maybe he should focus on that and let someone else handle the Prime Minister’s responsibilities.”The student leader dismissed suggestions that public anger had subsided after the resignation of former Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan. “Govt’s mistake is believing students have cooled down. The anger is still there. If needed, we will launch an even bigger agitation,” he said.Dipke arrived at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar airport to loud sloganeering from supporters before heading to Kranti Chowk to pay tributes at the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and later visiting the entrance of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University to offer tributes to the bust of Dr Ambedkar.Police sources said Dipke had been advised to return home directly from the airport and postpone public appearances until Thursday, but he continued with the visits.The crowds followed him to Bajajnagar in Waluj, where his mother, Anita, and sister, Varsha, welcomed him with aukshan.After weeks at the heart of the agitation, Dipke struck a more emotional note on returning home. “I have spent the past 36-37 days at Jantar Mantar. It feels good to be home after such a long struggle. Now I want to sleep peacefully and eat food cooked by my mother. I hope to have a normal life for a day or two,” he said.Dipke also questioned the effectiveness of the paper leak law passed by Parliament.“This country already has good laws. What matters is whether they are implemented sincerely. A fast-track court was promised, but the first hearing itself was postponed because the CBI counsel did not appear. Laws alone cannot help if the system does not work properly,” he said.Responding to actor-MP Kangana Ranaut’s criticism of the protesters, he said, “If a serious politician has something to say, let me know. I do not want to comment on part-time politicians.”Positioning the Jantar Mantar protest as a show of student unity, Dipke maintained that any further action against protesters could reignite the movement on an even larger scale.Stay updated with the latest Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar news. Download the TOI App.