Following the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the government's acceptance of key student demands, the 36 day long protest spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar came to an end. On July 25, after the demonstration was formally called off, participants and students dispersed to their respective homes. However, the apparent absence of CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke raised questions among observers regarding his whereabouts. It has now been confirmed that Dipke is spending time at his home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra.
How the 36 Day Jantar Mantar Agitation Unfolded
The student led protest began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 under the leadership of CJP, centered on demands for comprehensive examination system reforms, fixing accountability in the NEET paper leak case, and securing the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement gained massive national momentum on June 28 when social activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar and initiated a hunger strike alongside six AISA workers.
Police Action at Parliament March and Minister Resignation
Tensions escalated significantly on July 18 when Delhi Police removed Sonam Wangchuk from the protest venue and shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, triggering widespread anger among youth and students. A major flashpoint occurred on 20 July when police intervened against protesters marching toward Parliament, giving rise to serious allegations of police using excessive force. As pressure mounted, the government ultimately accepted the major demands of the demonstration, leading to Dharmendra Pradhan resigning from his ministerial post and the 36 day agitation drawing to a close on Saturday.
Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat Promises Government Security
On July 26, one day after CJP called off its agitation, Maharashtra Minister Sanjay Shirsat visited the home of Abhijeet Dipke's parents in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. The Shiv Sena leader reassured the family and promised that the young activist would be provided with government security upon his return.
Speaking to the media after the meeting, Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Shirsat said, "When he reaches Maharashtra, I will personally request Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis to give him official security so that his life is not at risk." He added that Abhijeet Dipke is expected to return to his hometown within two to three days.
