New Delhi, Aug 05: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which spearheaded nationwide protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities, on Wednesday announced that it will continue to function as a public pressure group rather than enter electoral politics.
Addressing a media interaction ahead of the CJP’s core committee meeting in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the organisation’s future course would centre on holding public institutions accountable while taking up a broader range of public issues beyond education.
Rejecting speculation about the outfit’s political ambitions, Dipke said CJP has no immediate plans to transform into a political party.
“People have lost faith in the judiciary, politics, the media and the Election Commission. Our agitation received nationwide support, and as it grew, it reflected concerns that went beyond education. India needs a public pressure group to bring accountability to institutions,” he said.
He added that the organisation’s upcoming meeting would deliberate on issues including the Centre’s ethanol-blended fuel policy, rising unemployment and the ongoing student protests in Jharkhand over alleged examination irregularities.
CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das echoed the stand, saying the organisation intends to remain a grassroots movement rather than join electoral politics.
“There are already enough political parties. If people continue to suffer despite their existence, the answer lies in a people’s movement and public awakening, not another political party,” Das said.
He said the organisation would continue to pursue the withdrawal of FIRs registered against students who participated in recent protests over the alleged NEET paper leak and other examination-related issues. According to Das, the group is also engaging with government representatives on the matter.
The CJP will further extend legal and medical assistance to students injured during protests held across the country, he said.
Das also confirmed that noted environmentalist and education activist Sonam Wangchuk will continue to mentor the organisation and guide it on future initiatives.
The CJP had emerged at the forefront of nationwide demonstrations demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, particularly the NEET-UG controversy, drawing widespread participation from students and civil society groups. (Agencies)
