A fresh political exchange has erupted after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's late-night video appealing for compassion towards students accused of abusing him during the Jantar Mantar protests. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke questioned whether the Prime Minister's message of forgiveness would be matched by action, asking if the criminal cases filed against the protesters would also be withdrawn.
PM Modi, in his video released on Friday night, had said that abusive language could never solve problems and stressed that the students should be guided rather than punished. He also said he had forgiven those who insulted him and his late mother.
'Will You Withdraw the Cases Too?'
Reacting to the Prime Minister's Instagram post, Dipke left a pointed comment questioning the government's next step."Sirf reel par hi maaf karoge ya cases bhi wapas loge?" (Will you forgive them only in a reel, or will you also withdraw the cases?
His remarks came against the backdrop of police action against students and protesters who allegedly used abusive language against the Prime Minister during demonstrations over examination paper leaks.
PM Modi Calls for Compassion
In his video message, the Prime Minister acknowledged that offensive language had been used against him but urged people not to respond with anger or vengeance. "Abuses never solve anything. Punishing them, dragging them through court proceedings, or harassing them—none of this will change the situation. I wish to forgive them. Let us guide the misguided," PM Modi said.
The video was widely viewed as a response to the controversy surrounding a viral clip from the Jantar Mantar protest and the subsequent registration of a Zero FIR against a Noida woman accused of making objectionable remarks against the Prime Minister.
Cases Against Protesters Become Fresh Flashpoint
The legal action against student protesters has emerged as the latest point of contention between the government and the CJP. Dipke has alleged that students involved in the anti-paper leak movement are facing harassment and has warned of larger protests if the cases are not addressed.
The controversy intensified after Noida Police registered a Zero FIR against a woman whose alleged remarks against the Prime Minister went viral. The case has since been transferred to the Delhi Police, as the incident took place in the national capital.
Dipke's response has added a new dimension to the debate, with the opposition questioning whether the Prime Minister's public call for forgiveness will translate into administrative action. While the government has projected the video as a message promoting civility and reconciliation, critics argue that withdrawing criminal cases would be the real test of that message.
