‘CJP has a long way to go’: Abhijeet Dipke says NEET protest victory is ‘just the beginning’

A day after the student-led agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke described the outcome as "just the beginning" of a larger movement.

"The Cockroach Janata Party has a long way to go," Dipke said in a video message on Sunday morning.

The 30-year-old struck a more relaxed tone after the nationwide agitation spearheaded by his organisation achieved its key demands.

"I could go to sleep and wake up in my bedroom without thinking about what to do next or what will happen till evening," he said.

Dipke said the prolonged agitation had been difficult for the entire team and thanked those who stood by the movement despite criticism and doubts. 

"What we went through in the last 37 days was really, really difficult. It was not easy--not just for me, but for all of our team," he added. 

The CJP called off its 36-day protest over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak after Pradhan stepped down. The government also accepted the party's two other major demands — ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide and assurance that no action would be taken against student protesters.

Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar on Saturday, Dipke said Pradhan's resignation demonstrated the power of sustained public protest.

"This resignation is proof that if you don't get scared and don't bend before this government, you can secure a resignation," he said.

Calling the minister's exit "the first wicket," Dipke told the crowd, "This is just the beginning."

The protest began at Jantar Mantar on June 20 after police stopped a "Sansad Chalo" march and used batons and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. The clashes left several protesters and police personnel injured.