Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Debaki claimed on Friday that the government would try to arrest or detain party leaders tonight, saying a much larger crowd was expected to join the protest over the weekend.
“We have been informed that since tomorrow is Saturday, followed by Sunday, a much larger crowd is expected. That is why the government is trying to arrest or detain us tonight,” news agency PTI quoted him as saying.
He warned the government against taking such a step, calling it “another mistake” that would only strengthen the movement. Dibek cited the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar as an example, claiming that this led to an intensification of the protests. Follow CJP’s live protest updates
“If that happens, it will be another big mistake on the part of the government. When they took Sonam Wangchuk away, the movement got stronger. When the students were charged and injured, the protests intensified even more.”
Debke further said that the arrest of party leaders, including himself and other representatives, will only spread the movement across the country. He added that the only way to resolve this issue is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
“If we are also arrested, the movement will spread further across the country. If the government really wants to dissolve this movement, there is only one solution: Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation,” he added.
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What’s happening in Jantar Mantar?
The CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 35th day on Friday, with hundreds of people continuing to arrive at the site in support of the movement. The police intensified their campaign by suspending internet services, deploying strict security measures and erecting checkpoints.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) also announced closure of entry and exit at 17 Metro stations from 7:30 am on July 24 until further orders.
Delhi Police arrested more than 25 students late on Thursday night as they headed to Jantar Mantar carrying protest posters, HT has learnt. The students, including a student from Jamia Millia Islamia University and another from Delhi University, were taken to Lodhi Colony police station.
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Police told HT that the action was preventive in nature and was taken under the Delhi Police Act, alleging that the students were trying to join an illegal assembly.
CJP-Bharatiya Janata Party meeting
CJP spokespersons Sourav Das and Ashutosh Ranka on Friday met union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at the Constitution Club of India.
After the meeting, Ranka said the government agreed There are two “in principle” demands from the CJP – compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide, and withdrawal of legal cases against the protesting students, he said, adding that the government has sought time till tomorrow to respond to Pradhan’s resignation demand.
However, Debaki remained steadfast on his basic demand that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan should resign.
The meeting came one day later Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has ended his 26-day hunger strike After receiving written assurance from the Union government that cases will not be filed against the peaceful protesters and those who participated in the protest march on July 20 in Delhi. He broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh at Medanta Hospital.
Prime Minister Modi pledges tougher measures
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was released on Thursday evening Selfie video, says tougher measures against paper leaks will be discussed at Friday’s Cabinet meeting.
“I have given instructions to the departments today to set up a fast-track court. Today, the departments worked continuously and gave me a draft late at night as well. This draft, which has provisions for fast-track courts and stringent punishments, will be discussed in the Cabinet tomorrow. After suggestions from colleagues in the Cabinet, it will be given its final form, and from Monday, the second week of Parliament begins, during which efforts will be made to pass the bill in the House as soon as possible,” he said.
He also urged Wangchuk to follow medical advice and restore his health.
“I urge Sonam ji to follow her routine as per doctors advice and regain her old weight as soon as possible. I pray that Sonam ji stays healthy,” he wrote on X.
