Abhijeet Dipke Targets ‘Politics of Fear’ at Jantar Mantar Rally, Calls for Youth-Led Democratic Engagement
New Delhi: Addressing a public gathering at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke launched a sharp critique of what he described as the politics of fear, polarisation, and religious division.
Speaking before a crowd that grew steadily through the afternoon, Dipke questioned the long-term impact of identity-based political narratives and argued that such strategies had failed to address pressing issues such as employment and economic opportunity.
The CJP founder challenged the effectiveness of what he called “Hindu-Muslim politics,” asking who had truly benefited from communal polarisation over the past decade.
He contended that despite years of political rhetoric centred around religious divisions, ordinary citizens—particularly young people—continue to struggle with unemployment and a lack of economic prospects.
Dipke arrived in the national capital earlier in the day, landing at Terminal 3 of Delhi Airport before travelling directly to the protest venue at Jantar Mantar.
By midday, supporters, activists, students, and young political enthusiasts had begun assembling at the site, creating an atmosphere charged with both anticipation and political messaging.
In one of the more emotional moments of his address, Dipke spoke about his family’s concerns regarding his return to India.
He recounted how his mother and sister had been deeply worried in the days leading up to his arrival.
“My mother was less emotional when I left for the United States than when I decided to return,” he told the gathering.
According to Dipke, his family feared that his political activities and criticism of the government could lead to legal troubles or imprisonment.
Expanding on that theme, he alleged that many families across the country share similar anxieties whenever young people engage in political activism or express dissenting views.
He argued that an atmosphere of apprehension has emerged in which students, professionals, and young citizens often hesitate to participate openly in political discourse because of concerns about possible repercussions.
Dipke began his speech while holding a copy of the writings of B. R. Ambedkar, invoking themes of constitutional values, democratic rights, and social justice.
Throughout the event, supporters frequently raised slogans such as “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” “Jai Bhim,” and “Inquilab Zindabad,” alongside repeated chants expressing resilience and resistance to intimidation.
The gathering appeared designed to project a broad political message. The Indian Tricolour remained the most visible symbol throughout the event and was the only flag prominently displayed.
Alongside it, portraits of Ambedkar were carried by participants as a representation of constitutional ideals and social equality.
A notable feature of the rally was the strong presence of young attendees. Students and first-time political participants formed a significant portion of the crowd, reflecting the party’s efforts to connect with younger voters and position itself as an alternative voice in contemporary politics.
However, the event was not without opposition. A smaller group of demonstrators attempted to enter the protest venue while raising slogans critical of the CJP and its leadership.
The counter-protesters accused the organisation of pursuing an agenda that they claimed was detrimental to national interests.
Members of the opposing group alleged that the movement sought to trigger political instability through youth-driven mobilisation, drawing comparisons with political upheavals witnessed in countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh.
Their presence led to moments of verbal confrontation, although the gathering largely remained focused on the speeches and political messaging delivered from the main stage.
The Jantar Mantar event ultimately highlighted the increasingly contested nature of political discourse in India, where competing narratives on democracy, dissent, governance, and national identity continue to shape public debate.
While supporters hailed the rally as a call for greater democratic participation and youth engagement, critics questioned both its motives and its broader political objectives, underscoring the deep ideological divisions that characterise contemporary Indian politics.
Meanwhile, several political analysts and critics view this dharna and demonstration, correlating it with Gen Z movements in Bangladesh and Nepal that were funded by a Western deep state.
People calling themselves activists come into India and try to mobilise the youth and lure them into such demonstrations at a time when India has made much headway internationally, they opine.
There are attempts to convert it into one like the Anna Hazare movement, but they have miserably failed in their attempt, they added.
We also foresee more such movements in the future because the deep state is not able to digest the new India, which is making progress in all spheres.
