New Delhi: Hundreds of supporters thronged the Jantar Mantar to participate in the so called peaceful protest lead by founder of the period political party, Abhijeet Dipke on June 6th. A day after a massive protest, over alleged irregularities in the education system and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Dipke has stressed the campaign will not stop until the demands are met.
“But this doesn’t end here. Dharmendra Pradhan has wronged an entire generation. If he is not removed or does not step down within the next 7 days, we will be forced to continue our protest on the ground. I will address you all on an Instagram live later today. Stay tuned,” Dipke said.
In the one-week ultimatum, CJP has demanded either the resignation or his removal by the government, adding that if the centre failed to fulfill their demands the movement would spread throughout the country.
The protest concluded peacefully on Day 1, but organizers made it clear that further demonstrations would follow if their demands remained unaddressed. Whule addressing the gathering, Dipke said, “This is a long struggle. It has been a month since we started demanding Pradhan’s resignation on social media, but these individuals are so shameless that instead of taking action, they have been focussed on other distractions, like hacking our accounts and getting our posts deleted. You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space.”
Alongside Dipke, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk who also joined the protest pressed on their demands citing exam irregularities as just symptoms of much deeper problem.
Security was heightened in and around Jantar Mantar with 2000 personnel deployed to maintain law and order. The event was a peaceful gathering during whose conclusion the satirical party thanked the Delhi police for their cooperation. The group’s spokesperson, Saurav Das, posted a message of gratitude, stating that the priority was a peaceful demonstration and that the protest was a result of “high public frustration and a lack of outlet to register it.” The CJP also clarified that no FIR had been registered against the protesters, countering rumours circulating on social media as details emerged.
Calls for accountability have been resounding in opinion columns of media houses while news reporters have been interviewing delegates in the know arguing over the system. Over 80,000 people have signed petitions demanding the resignation.