After Sonam Wangchuk, now CJP climbs down demands too, “willing to talk”, says Saurav Das as security tightens ahead of Parliament March

After Sonam Wangchuk, now CJP climbs down demands too,
Abhijit Dipke, Saurav Das

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has hinted at a massive climb down from their earlier demands of the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the Education Minister of India. Ahead of the proposed Parliament March from Jantar Mantar amid tight security arrangements, Saurav Das, the spokesperson of the CJP, said they were “willing to talk to the government” to “resolve the impasse surrounding the education system”. It is noteworthy that hours before Saurav Das’ statement, Sonam Wangchuk had also released a list of 3 demands which did not feature the demand for Pradhan’s resignation.

Speaking to ANI, Saurav Das said that there was, thus far, no clarity from the administration despite the CJP’s attempt to “open talks”. “The ball is in their court”, Das reportedly said.

“Sonam ji, so far he is stable, and he is continuing his hunger strike. He has sent his very best wishes to the young protesters of this country who have finally awakened to this very difficult, very dead system that does not listen to them at all. A peaceful march will happen very soon. Peaceful protesters have been gathered here for the past 30 days, and we have shown how to carry out a peaceful protest and put our points forward.

Earlier in the day, Sonam Wangchuk had also released a list of his updated demands. He had said that he will end his fast on 20 July if any of the 3 conditions are met. Govt takes accountability for paper leaks, or CJP marches to Parliament & MPs agree to raise issue in House, or Political leaders come to meet him at hospital. This was seen as a significant climb down from his earlier position since the list did not include the demand for Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.

    While Sonam Wangchul and the CJP had downgraded their demands, it is noteworthy that only 2 days before this climbdown, Abhijit Dipke had loudly proclaimed that the CJP would no longer be satisfied with the resignation of the Education Minister, but also wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to tender his resignation.

    On the 18th of July, Dipke had said, “Until now, we were demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, but after this despicable act, we will now demand the resignation of Narendra Modi”.

    CJP did not seek permission for Parliament March

    Delhi Police on Saturday (18th July) said that the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) will not be allowed to organise its proposed march to Parliament tomorrow (20th July). According to the Delhi Police, the party has not sought permission from the police to organise the march, which coincides with the first day of the Monsoon Session of the Parliament.

    According to the Delhi Police, the CJP has not sought permission from the police to organise the march. Even the ongoing CJP protest at the Jantar Mantar was described as ‘illegal’ by the Delhi Police, as the party did not seek permission for that either. Delhi Police have intensified security across the national capital in view of the Monsoon Session and the CJP’s call for the march. Even if the party now approaches the Delhi Police seeking permission for the march, it is unlikely that the permission will be granted due to heightened security in the area.

    The police have deployed over 100 personnel, along with Rapid Action Force units, on both sides of the Jantar Mantar site and inside the protest area. Additional units and paramilitary forces would reportedly be called in for the march, and extra police vans have been placed around the site. 

    Besides, the police have set up intensive vehicle checks and barricaded the entry points into the New Delhi district, converting the area into high-security zones. Senior Delhi Police officials reportedly said the police will stop the march, as it would otherwise disrupt law and order in the high-security zone, endanger public safety, and choke traffic in central Delhi. They added that the police can even resort to detentions if a large gathering pushes toward Parliament.

    The CJP protests, which started on the pretext of raising the NEET paper leak issue and students’ concerns, have turned out to be a propaganda protest for fulfilling the political ambitions of the CJP. The party, which failed to garner much public support, has been trying to ignite public emotion and blackmail the government using Sonam Wangchuk’s fast unto death. However, despite making its best efforts to attract and mobilise people in its favour and the open support by the Left and the anti-national forces, the party’s grand show seems to be coming to an abrupt end.

    Written by Nupur J Sharma
    Last modified at