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By:

Quaid Najmi

4 January 2025 at 3:26:24 pm

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come...

‘Tiger’ backs ‘Cockroach’

Mumbai: The Shiv Sena (UBT) became the first political party to openly support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched by a Maharashtra youth Abhijeet Dipke who launched a huge protest in New Delhi on Saturday. In a strong statement, SS (UBT) President and ex-CM Uddhav Thackeray threw his weight behind the CJP as thousands of youngsters hit the streets of New Delhi in the scorching sun, not for politics but for their future. “Those whom we call the architects of the nation's future have come out carrying their pain, frustration and anxiety about their future. It is wrong to ridicule them as ‘cockroaches’ and deny them justice,” said the SS (UBT) Tiger. Thackeray said the recent NEET paper leak scandal had shattered the dreams of lakhs of students and their families, raising questions in the minds of youngsters whether merit still matters – as the movement which started on social media has spilled onto the streets across the country. “All these aggrieved young men and women are now raising their voices by becoming ‘cockroaches’. The government must listen to their demands. Do not underestimate the ‘cockroaches’ – this is the warning given by the agitation (today) at Jantar Mantar,” said Thackeray sharply. The SS (UBT)’s supportive stance came against the backdrop of mounting anger among students over the alleged irregularities in major public examinations like NEET, CBSE, CUET, and recruitment processes, which has shaken confidence in the country's education system. The Protest Around dawn, Dipke, 30 – who launched the online movement three weeks ago from the USA – reached India as thousands of supporters waited patiently and peacefully near the Parliament Street Police Station. Many waved the National Tricolour, copies of the Constitution or books of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, others carried flowers which they offered to the 1000-plus alert security personnel deployed there, and several sported symbolic cockroach masks. In a brief address, Dipke accused the government of focusing more on the CJP’s online presence than on the serious issues raised by the students. “You may be able to delete our posts, but you cannot erase us from this space,” he roared, amid loud cheers and thundering applause from the crowd. He said there must be accountability in the form of the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, failing which the CJP will continue its protests in New Delhi and also other parts of India. Anticipating detention after his homecoming, Dipke: “I was fully prepared to sacrifice my freedom for this cause.” In a warm gesture, environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived from Ladakh to join the protest, declared himself as an ‘Honorary cockroach’ and expressed solidarity with Dipke. “People ask what is achieved through protests, sit-ins and marches. It proves that we are alive. The government may treat us like insects, but we are alive and capable of fighting for our rights,” mocked the CJP in a social media statement The CJP volunteers repeatedly urged the protestors to maintain decorum and make their impact in a democratic manner, which the crowds adhered to, but raised full-throated slogans intermittently, even as the protest ended without any untoward incidents. Incidentally, the Delhi Police granted permission for the demonstrations by allowing the crowds to gather directly at Jantar Mantar grounds as a ‘one-time exemption’. Demonstrations expressing solidarity to the cause were held in different parts of the country while tight security was deployed outside Dipke’s home in Chhatrapati Sambhajinar. Why are students forced to agitate?: Aaditya Thackeray Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aditya Thackeray said why the students are being compelled to agitate when they should be planning out academic future and career options. “The young students exposed the NEET leak scam, or the CBSE marks scandal. The minister should have resigned or should have been sacked, some officials have been transferred but not suspended. The government should be ashamed of the situation,” said Aditya.

Can the RCB Juggle the Cup Without Dropping It?

IPL 2026 – where defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) strut into the arena like prom kings fresh off a fairy-tale win, only to realise the crown’s made of kryptonite. After shattering an 18-year curse with that nail-biting 2025 triumph – Virat Kohli’s beard practically glowing under the Ahmedabad lights – the big question isn’t “Will they?” but “Can they without imploding like a bad sequel?” Picture this: The squad that finally cracked the code now faces the auction guillotine, with a purse slimmer than Kohli’s patience on a bad day (Rs 16.4 crore for eight slots, anyone?). It’s like winning the lottery, then blowing half on therapy for the near misses. But hey, optimism is RCB’s middle name – right after “Chokers Anonymous”.


Let’s dissect this circus act. Retaining 17 players, including six overseas firecrackers, RCB’s basically yelling, “If it ain’t broke, duct-tape it harder!” Captain Rajat Patidar stays at the helm, the quiet assassin who turned collapses into confetti last year. Kohli, the Run God, anchors like a barnacle on a battleship – 741 runs in 2025, because apparently, retirement’s for quitters. Openers Phil Salt (the cheeky Englishman smacking sixes like afternoon tea) and Devdutt Padikkal provide fireworks, while Tim David and Romario Shepherd turn the death overs into a demolition derby. Bowling? Josh Hazlewood’s laser-guided yorkers make batsmen weep, Bhuvneshwar Kumar swings it sneakier than a politician’s promise, and Yash Dayal’s left-arm zip adds that “oops, you’re out” spice. Krunal Pandya’s all-round wizardry and Jitesh Sharma’s glovework round out a core deeper than a fan’s denial phase.


But releases? Oof. Booting Liam Livingstone (112 runs at 16 avg – more flop than pop) and Lungi Ngidi feels like firing the clown after one bad balloon animal. Mayank Agarwal and Manoj Bhandage hit the eject button too, leaving the middle order whispering and the spin bench warmer than a forgotten samosa. With the December 16 Abu Dhabi auction looming, RCB’s got eight slots and a wallet that says “bargain bin only”. Can they snag a mystery spinner or a finisher without breaking the bank? Or will they end up with more “projects” than pros, turning M. Chinnaswamy into a batting parlour?


To SWOT this soap opera – because nothing says “fun” like corporate buzzwords in cricket drag:


Strengths (The Superhero Cape): Bulletproof batting backbone with Kohli’s obsession and Salt’s swagger – they chased 200+ like it was a grocery run. The Hazlewood-Bhuvi-Dayal trio is a swing symphony that choked PBKS in the ’25 final. Depth in all-rounders (Krunal, Shepherd) means no panic buttons. Winning vibes? Intangible, but hey, trophies cure imposter syndrome.


Weaknesses (The Kryptonite Crutch): Purse poverty – Rs 16.4 crore for eight bodies? That’s espresso money in IPL terms, not an espresso machine. Livingstone’s exit leaves a power-hitting vacuum wider than AB de Villiers’ smile. Spin department’s Swapnil Singh and Suyash Sharma – solid, but not “unplayable on a turning track” solid. Injuries to Hazlewood (he’s human, shockingly) could turn defences into doormats.


Opportunities (The Plot Twist Potential): Auction’s a treasure hunt! Snag a budget overseas spinner like Noor Ahmad redux or a domestic dasher to plug the finisher hole. Trades already shuffled the deck – why not poach a rival’s castoff? The Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy is a scouting goldmine for uncapped gems. Defending champs get that “underdog glow-up” – fans are louder, and pressure is sweeter.


Threats (The Villain Monologue): Bigger-purse bullies like KKR (Rs 64.3 crore war chest – they’re basically shopping for a squad, not slots) could hoover up stars like Mitchell Starc 2.0. CSK’s rebuild rage, MI’s money machine, SRH’s sluggers – everyone’s gunning for the throne. Chinnaswamy’s rocket favours batsmen; one bad dew night, and poof – fairy tale over. Plus, Kohli’s beard: iconic, but does it intimidate bowlers or just distract them?


So, can RCB defend? In a league where the Mumbai Indians have three rings and CSK’s got Dhoni’s black magic, it’s 50-50 – half genius, half gamble. If they auction smart (no impulse buys on hype trains), harness that ’25 mojo, and avoid the “sequel slump”, Bengaluru could two-peat like a boss. Otherwise? Back to memes and “next year” chants. Either way, grab popcorn: This red circus is about to clown or crown. Thala for a reason? Nah, Ee Sala Cup Namde – again?


(The writer is a senior journalist based in Mumbai. Views personal.)

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