‘Apologise to students injured in July 20 protest first’: CJP's Dipke to PM Modi

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi to first apologise to students injured during the July 20 protest at Jantar Mantar before speaking about forgiveness.

Dipke's remarks came in response to Modi's recent appeal for restraint towards students accused of using abusive language against him and his late mother during the protest.

The CJP founder alleged that protesters were subjected to lathi-charge and suffered head injuries, pellet gun wounds and serious injuries, including broken arms and legs.


“PM Modi should apologise to the students who were subjected to a lathi-charge on July 20, those who suffered head injuries, pellet gun wounds, and serious injuries such as broken arms and legs. Apologise to them first; only then can you talk about forgiveness,” Dipke said.

He alleged that the violence witnessed during the July 20 protest was unprecedented and said the Prime Minister should apologise for the police action before discussing forgiveness.

Dipke also called for cases registered against the protesting students to be withdrawn, saying forgiveness should not be limited to a social media message.

“Don’t just offer forgiveness on Instagram; direct the police to withdraw the cases as well. Withdraw the cases filed against these students,” he said.

Dipke questions scope of PM Modi’s forgiveness appeal

Modi had recently posted a video appealing for restraint towards students accused of making abusive remarks against him and his late mother during the Jantar Mantar agitation.

The Prime Minister said mistakes were part of growing up and urged people to forgive, guide and help the students reform. He also said prolonged court proceedings or social ostracisation would not change the situation.

Dipke had earlier questioned whether the appeal for forgiveness would extend to withdrawing criminal cases filed against the protesters. In his latest remarks, he shifted the focus to the alleged police action during the July 20 protest and said an apology should come before any discussion on withdrawing cases.

CJP founder targets BJP IT cell over alleged abuse of women

Dipke also alleged that people associated with the BJP's IT cell have for years directed abusive messages and rape threats at women online.

He claimed that some of the social media accounts involved display “followed by PM Modi”, which, in his view, gives users a sense of support from the top for such behaviour.

“For years, the BJP’s IT cell has, in my view, hurled abusive messages and rape threats at women,” he said.

Dipke alleged that women were repeatedly subjected to abusive remarks, intimidation and threats online, and claimed that those involved did not want women to progress.

He had previously questioned why cases were not being registered against people he alleged had abused women online. He argued that if criminal cases were being filed over abusive language, similar action should be taken against those accused of targeting women.