Dipke alleges police clampdown ahead of Jantar Mantar protest

Addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Dipke alleged that the Maharashtra police was behaving like the Delhi police by serving notices to CJP workers, asking them not to participate in the upcoming protest, and questioning them about the source of funds for their travel to New Delhi

Mumbai: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Tuesday alleged that the Maharashtra police was trying to clamp down on his party’s planned protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi next week, to demand the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and allegations of ‘vote chori’.

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke addresses a press conference, in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on Tuesday (PTI)

Addressing a press conference in Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar, Dipke alleged that the Maharashtra police was behaving like the Delhi police by serving notices to CJP workers, asking them not to participate in the upcoming protest, and questioning them about the source of funds for their travel to New Delhi.

He shared copies of two such notices issued by the Chandrapur police to CJP workers in the district, referred to the police action as a form of “dictatorship”, and accused chief minister Devendra Fadnavis of potentially “misusing” the police for political ambitions.

“I have said multiple times that the Maharashtra Police is the best police force in the country and that the Delhi Police should learn from them. But it is heartbreaking that the Chandrapur police served notices to CJP workers, asking them not to participate in the protest at Jantar Mantar. They also asked CJP workers about the source of funds for travelling to Jantar Mantar,” Dipke told reporters.

Dipke questioned the police’s reference to the possibility of violence in the notices. “In the notice, the police stated that the agitation is going to be violent. How do the police know in advance that the agitation would be violent? Have they planned anything in advance?” he asked.

Targeting Fadnavis, the CJP founder questioned why the chief minister was allegedly trying to emulate Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath.

“Why is Fadnavis saheb trying to be UP CM Yogi Adityanath 2.0? Kindly see the legacy of Maharashtra. He should not insult and misuse the Maharashtra Police for political ambitions.”

Dipke also said that he could be arrested and was ready for the consequences. “If they want, they should put me behind bars and charge me under UAPA (Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) or NSA (National Security Act),” he said, urging CJP workers to begin their agitation wherever they were detained or arrested.

“If they stop me here, I will turn this place into Jantar Mantar,” he said, adding, “Those in power today are acting against Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals and principles, even as they support those responsible for his murder.”