Mumbai, August 3: Abhijit Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach People’s Party, spoke to a news agency on Monday about the central government, the education system, student movements, political parties, and his organizational strategy. He emphasized that his organization is not against any single political party but is fighting against the system itself. Wherever issues related to students and education arise, his team will be present to support them.
Dipke highlighted that the problems in education are not confined to one state but are prevalent across the country. Students are frustrated, and their concerns need to be taken seriously. His organization stands ready to amplify student voices whenever educational issues are raised.
He pointed to the alleged misuse of enforcement agencies as a significant reason for the weakening of opposition parties. Dipke believes that agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have been used against opposition parties. He cited the political landscape in Maharashtra, noting the divisions within major opposition parties like Shiv Sena and the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP), which he believes have weakened the opposition.
On the functioning of democracy, Dipke stated that it is the government’s responsibility to listen to citizens when they express their concerns. He asserted that in a democracy, the voice of the people is paramount. If a large number of students demand the removal of a minister, the government should take that demand seriously, although he clarified that this is his personal political opinion.
Dipke made it clear that his organization does not aim to criticize or defend any specific political party. If students face issues during any government’s tenure, his organization will raise its voice against the ruling party, regardless of its affiliation. He stressed that whether the Chief Minister or Education Minister belongs to any party, student interests must be prioritized.
He expressed discomfort with comparisons to historical or social leaders, preferring not to be referred to as “Anna” or “Gandhi.” He wants to be recognized solely by the identity he has adopted.
Regarding connections with political parties, Dipke mentioned that due to recent health issues, he has not engaged in discussions. However, he noted that Congress leader Pawan Khera visited him with a message of support from Rahul Gandhi. Several Congress MPs have also expressed their backing. He mentioned that he sought support from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and aims to maintain dialogue with various political parties.
On the topic of new political parties and electoral politics, Dipke stated that the country currently needs a “public pressure group.” He referenced the Emergency, arguing that merely contesting elections does not solve every problem. When democracy is under threat, a broad public movement is necessary. Therefore, his focus is on bringing about change through public pressure and participation.
He reiterated that his struggle is not against a single party but against the system’s shortcomings. With the BJP currently in power, their movement has been against the present government. If another party comes to power in the future and the same issues persist, his organization will also raise its voice against that party.
Discussing strategies for dialogue and protest, Dipke stated that where dialogue can lead to solutions, communication will be pursued with both the government and the opposition. If dialogue fails, his organization will not hesitate to engage in democratic protests and movements.
Responding to accusations of anti-social elements being present during protests, he noted that he had anticipated attempts to discredit the movement by sending external elements. He claimed that no such incidents occurred during the first month of the protests and questioned the Delhi Police‘s claims regarding the presence of criminals. Dipke asked how so many alleged criminals were allowed to remain if they were indeed present.
On legal matters, he stated that those accused should at least have their cases heard. If there is sufficient evidence against someone, legal proceedings should follow, but it is crucial that the judicial process is timely.
Looking ahead for his organization, Dipke emphasized the need to reorganize his team. The movement began with only 10 to 20 people, but the number of volunteers has now exceeded 300. He plans to gather feedback from all volunteers to understand what could have been done better during the movement and what mistakes to avoid in the future. Following this, collective decisions will be made regarding the organization’s direction and structure.
Reflecting on his decision to return to India from abroad, Dipke shared that while studying in the United States, he was recognized as an Indian student. His professors and friends viewed him as a representative of India, but he was saddened to learn that he was considered a threat to national security in his own country. This experience emotionally impacted him and contributed to his decision to return.
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