Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Saturday extended support to the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar led by social media activist Abhijeet Dipke and members of the Cockroach Janata Party, asserting that peaceful democratic movements led by youth should be welcomed rather than suppressed.
Addressing a press conference, Raut said that if young people are expressing their anger against the government through peaceful means, it reflects the spirit of democracy and deserves respect.
"If a peaceful protest is taking place at Jantar Mantar, especially one involving the youth and led by a young individual, it should be welcomed. This is a democracy, and everyone has the freedom to express their views," Raut said.
He alleged that the government was attempting to suppress the agitation by deploying a heavy police presence and restricting the movement of people expected to join the protest.
"The government is trying to suppress this movement. Police forces have been deployed in large numbers, and youths travelling from different parts of the country are allegedly being stopped at railway stations and airports. Since morning, I have been gathering information about these developments," he claimed.
Questioning the government's apprehension about the movement, Raut remarked, "Why is the government afraid of Cockroach? If today's youth have awakened and found the courage to raise their voices, credit should be given to those who inspired them."
Raut also renewed demands for accountability in connection with the alleged examination paper leak controversy, stating that, "If Prime Minister Narendra Modi does not seek the resignation of the concerned minister, then the government has no moral authority to speak about clean governance or zero tolerance towards corruption," he said.
"There is a clear need for accountability in this matter. We are carrying out our agitation through peaceful and democratic means. This is not merely an issue related to the education department or a paper leak; it is also a serious law-and-order matter," Raut added.
Questioning the decision to transfer the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), he said, "Why was the investigation handed over to the CBI if no crime had taken place? The probe was transferred because an offence had indeed occurred."
"If a crime of such magnitude has destroyed the future of thousands of young people, then should the country's Home Minister not be held accountable?" he asked.
Raut further said that the erosion of trust among young people warranted an honest response from those in positions of power.
"The fact that young people's trust is being eroded on such a large scale raises serious questions. The state government and the Home Minister must answer these concerns honestly," he said.
Emphasising the broader significance of the movement, Raut said it was no longer limited to a single organisation and had drawn support from activists and citizens working across various sectors.
"Our stand is clear. Young people must come forward, participate in democratic movements, and protect the country's democracy and freedom," he said.
