Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray on Thursday extended support to the movement led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, asserting that the questions being raised by the organisation resonate with a large section of the public and challenging the Centre to allow Dipke to protest freely.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said the CJP’s social media-driven campaign has received overwhelming support from people across age groups, reflecting a growing desire among citizens for a fresh political alternative.
“The CJP has started a social media movement which has huge appeal among all age groups. Obviously, people want a fresh face and this is a movement without a face,” he said.
Questioning the Centre’s response to Dipke’s growing popularity, Thackeray alleged that any move to prevent or arrest him would expose the government’s insecurity.
“The question is how much the government is scared. If they are scared of one person running a social media account with a huge following and asking legitimate questions, then arresting him will not be a test of Dipke but a reflection of how scared the government is,” Thackeray said.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) leader also endorsed one of CJP’s key demands, the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over issues related to the education sector.
“The very important point is that the demand of CJP is the resignation of the country’s Education Minister. Is anyone going to say no to this demand?” he asked.
Targeting the Union government on economic issues as well, Thackeray questioned the silence of senior ministers amid concerns over the economy and the rupee’s performance.
“Where is Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman when the rupee is falling and the economy is going down? And where is Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan?” he asked.
Reiterating his support, Thackeray said that Shiv Sena (UBT) was fully aligned with the issues being raised by the CJP.
“If I’m saying from Sena Bhavan that what CJP is saying is right, then what more support do they need?” he remarked.
Referring to students affected by examinations such as NEET and CBSE, Thackeray said the concerns being raised transcend political affiliations.
“Even Andhbhakt students are also students appearing for NEET and CBSE examinations. Will anyone deny the demand for accountability?” he said.
Thackeray further argued that the government’s handling of Dipke’s proposed protest would serve as a litmus test of its commitment to democratic dissent.
“We are saying that what they are demanding is right. The big test is whether the government will allow them to come and protest,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Thackeray threw down a direct challenge to the Centre, saying, “The question remains the same: if the government is not scared, let Dipke protest. If they are scared, then arrest him at the airport.”
