‘You cannot denotify resistance’: CJP’s Abhijit Dipke hits out at Jantar Mantar move

CJP activist Abhijit Dipke criticised the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site and warned that demonstrations would continue across the country. File pic

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijit Dipke on Tuesday criticised the denotification of Jantar Mantar as a protest site, accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being opposed to dissent and warning that demonstrations would spread beyond the national capital.

Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Hingoli, Dipke alleged that the move was aimed at curbing protests. He said, "Narendra Modi does not have a problem with Jantar Mantar as a location; he has a problem with protest. A dictator always has a problem with protest. Narendra Modi is troubled by the very idea of protest. If he thinks that by removing Jantar Mantar as a designated protest site, he can end the movement, then he should not remain in this misconception."

Declaring that the movement would continue across the country, Dipke said, "Jantar Mantar will now be built across the entire country. Now, the protest will happen across the entire country; the protest will happen all over Delhi. The country is no longer going to be afraid of all these actions of yours."

‘Jantar Mantar is a spirit of resistance'

Describing the protest venue as a symbol of dissent rather than merely a physical location, Dipke said, "Jantar Mantar is not just a location, it is a spirit. A spirit of resistance that will stay alive in every protester."

He added that CJP members Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das would announce the party's next course of action in Delhi after discussions with the team.

CJP activists detained after attempting to enter site

Meanwhile, CJP activists claimed victory after attempting to breach the security cordon and enter Jantar Mantar, where they were detained by Delhi Police. The protesters also renewed their demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a post on X, Das said, "Jantar Mantar has been reclaimed. We have entered Jantar Mantar and now we are being detained. But this is a message to all of us young gen! We can do it! Gyanu, you're done bro!"

Ranka wrote, "Fortress Jantar Mantar has been breached," while Dipke shared a photograph of Ranka waving the Tricolour at the site.

Dipke also posted on X, "Cockroaches with the Tiranga sneaked into Jantar Mantar early this morning before they were picked up by Delhi Police. AshutoshRanka, Saurav Das and Ajinkya along with other team members have been detained. You cannot denotify the resistance, @narendramodi,"

Ranka separately posted, "Hands Off Jantar Mantar."

According to the report, Delhi Police detained Ranka, Das and Ajinkya Shinde after they allegedly attempted to break through the cordon and enter the venue early Tuesday. Security personnel arrived shortly after the demonstration began and took the protesters into custody.

The developments come amid protests against the Election Commission and demands for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

(With inputs from ANI)