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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.

Unkept promises major reason behind defections from BJP

defections from BJP

Mumbai: The recent wave of defections from the BJP-led Mahayuti alliance to the Sharad Pawar-led Nationalist Congress Party (SP) and the Maharashtra Vikas Aghadi (MVA) has far-reaching implications for the forthcoming Maharashtra elections. Leaders from diverse regions, like Rajendra Shingne and Harshvardhan Patil, have switched allegiances, citing dissatisfaction with how they were treated within the alliance and frustration over unfulfilled promises. This defection trend exposes deeper fault lines within the Mahayuti and poses significant challenges to its prospects in the upcoming elections.


One of the primary reasons for these defections is the sidelining of veteran leaders who feel their contributions have been underappreciated. Shingne’s move to Sharad Pawar’s camp, after being denied a cabinet position in Ajit Pawar’s faction, highlights the growing disillusionment among Mahayuti’s second-tier leadership. Similarly, Ganesh Naik, a senior BJP legislator from Navi Mumbai, is reportedly negotiating his exit from the party due to unmet electoral demands for his son. Such discontent reflects the BJP’s struggle to manage its coalition partners and accommodate key regional players within its political framework.


Another important factor driving these defections is regionalism. In Maharashtra, issues like the Maratha reservation and agrarian distress are deeply political, and the BJP has struggled to address these concerns in a manner that satisfies both the urban and rural constituencies. Leaders like Harshvardhan Patil, whose political career is rooted in the sugar lobby and rural farming communities, have expressed frustration with the Mahayuti’s handling of agricultural issues. His decision to rejoin Sharad Pawar is emblematic of a broader trend where leaders from agrarian regions feel that the BJP-led government’s policies favor urban interests over rural development.


The rising influence of Sharad Pawar and the MVA, fueled by their strong showing in the recent Lok Sabha elections, has also contributed to this exodus. Pawar’s stature as a seasoned political leader and his party’s ability to resonate with farmers and rural communities make him an attractive alternative. The NCP (SP) under Pawar has successfully positioned itself as a champion of regional and rural interests, offering disgruntled Mahayuti leaders a platform to pursue their political ambitions.


As a result, these defections are likely to weaken the BJP-led alliance’s prospects in the forthcoming elections. The departure of key figures from critical constituencies, such as Sindhkhed Raja and Indapur, weakens Mahayuti’s regional hold, especially in rural strongholds where the MVA is gaining ground. The challenge for the BJP will be to maintain internal cohesion and prevent further erosion of its political base as leaders seek more favorable opportunities elsewhere.


Sandeep Naik latest to quit

In a setback to the BJP in Navi Mumbai ahead of the November 20 state assembly elections, the party’s leader and former MLA Sandeep Naik on Tuesday joined the Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP).


He is likely to contest the assembly election from the Belapur seat, where the BJP has re-nominated its sitting MLA Manda Mhatre, sources said.


Notably, Sandeep’s father and former minister Ganesh Naik, who wielded a major influence in Navi Mumbai region over the years, has been re-nominated by the BJP from the Airoli assembly constituency.

Sandeep Naik was welcomed into the NCP (SP) fold by the party’s state unit president Jayant Patil.

According to sources, Sandeep Naik was unhappy over the denial of a poll ticket by the BJP.


“What we have lost is now found. The story that begins in Navi Mumbai will resonate across Maharashtra. We will not overlook the contributions of our most dedicated activists and leaders. Sandeep Naik’s entry will undoubtedly strengthen our party,” Patil said on the occasion.


He urged the audience to rally behind Naik in the upcoming elections.


Patil also targeted the state government over the rising inflation, unemployment, and the deterioration of law and order.

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