Kochi (Gurpreet Singh): Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday predicted that the Narendra Modi-led government would lose power in the 2029 Lok Sabha elections, urging people to prepare for a change of government through the electoral process.
Addressing a protest meeting at Rajendra Maidan in Kochi, Dipke criticised the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. The gathering was part of the CJP’s ‘Jantar Mantar at Kochi’ campaign, which has called for changes to the electoral process and Kumar’s resignation.
Referring to the BJP’s assertion that Modi would continue in office, Dipke said, “Be prepared for 2029. He will definitely go.”
He repeatedly asked protesters whether Modi would lose power in 2029, drawing cheers from the gathering. Dipke maintained that a change of government could only come through elections and called for an independent and impartial electoral system.
“The change in the government will only happen through elections,” he said, reiterating his demand for Kumar’s resignation to ensure a fair electoral process.
Dipke Criticises CEC Gyanesh Kumar, Raises Questions Over SIR
Dipke alleged that the government was using the SIR exercise to influence electoral outcomes and questioned the importance being attached to the Chief Election Commissioner.
“Gyanesh Kumar has to go. If he goes, Narendra Modi will also go,” he said, alleging that the government was targeting young protesters to protect the CEC.
He also claimed that the government was increasingly seeking to control people’s personal choices, including what they eat, whom they marry and whom they vote for.
CJP Founder Recalls Arrest In Delhi Over National Flag
Referring to his arrest in Delhi along with CJP leaders Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka, Dipke said they had been detained after entering Jantar Mantar with the National Flag.
He said he would continue carrying the Tricolour across the country despite the possibility of further arrests.
“I will carry this Tricolour everywhere, in every part of this country,” he said, adding that he was prepared to be arrested in Delhi, Maharashtra, Kerala or Tamil Nadu.
Dipke compared the government’s actions with restrictions imposed during British rule, alleging that the present dispensation was curbing people’s freedom. He also rejected allegations that the CJP was receiving foreign funds or attempting to destabilise the country.
Dipke Invokes Ambedkar, Gandhi And Nehru
During his address, Dipke said India’s foundations rested on the ideals of B R Ambedkar, Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. He described Gandhi as the soul of the country, Ambedkar as its backbone and Nehru as its mind.
He said Modi could not surpass the stature of the three leaders, even if he remained in power for 120 years.
Dipke also accused the BJP of dividing people along religious lines and alleged that communal violence was being encouraged for political gains. Defending young protesters against the label of anarchists, he described them as Ambedkarites and Gandhians.
Dipke Compares Manmohan Singh Era With Current Government
The CJP founder also referred to former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s tenure, claiming that India was more democratic during that period because people could openly criticise the prime minister.
He said he did not consider the Manmohan Singh government perfect but argued that the space available for political criticism was greater at the time.
Dipke further accused Modi of compromising India’s interests to protect his image and avoid humiliation by US President Donald Trump. These remarks were part of his criticism of the government’s foreign policy.
Prakash Raj Leads Protest March In Kochi
The protest meeting at Rajendra Maidan saw participation from people across age groups, along with representatives of youth and socio-cultural organisations. Cultural programmes were also held during the event.
Earlier, actor Prakash Raj led a protest march from Marine Drive to Rajendra Maidan.
