CJP ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest: Dipke hits back alleging business disruption, ‘Democracy doesn’t end with vote’ | Today’s news
Amid allegations that the CJP’s protests are disrupting businesses and dampening the festive spirit, Abhijeet Dipke argued that government restrictions, internet shutdowns and movement restrictions — not peaceful demonstrations — are disrupting economic activity.
In a post on X, Dipke argued that peaceful protests don’t hurt businesses, but government-mandated restrictions, internet shutdowns and restrictions on citizen movement can disrupt economic activity and bring an entire city to a standstill.
Dipke said that the Cockroach Janta Party since its inception has strictly adhered to the principles of peace and non-violence of Mahatma Gandhi. He cited protests organized by the party in Mumbai, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Bengaluru and Nagpur and claimed that all remained peaceful.
“I was personally attacked in Jaipur, but even then I chose not to retaliate because responding to violence with violence is against everything we believe in,” Dipke said, adding that the party preferred to exercise its constitutional rights over the use of physical force.
Read also | CJP Tiranga Protest LIVE: Dipke says ‘let’s do our duty as citizens’
He said the party’s commitment to constitutional values, enshrined in the constitution drafted under the leadership of Dr. BR Ambedkar, will not be weakened by provocation.
“Protest against injustice is not anarchy”
Dipke also criticized attempts to portray the party as anarchists for questioning the government and organizing protests. He argued that “demanding answers from the government is not anarchy, protesting injustice in the streets is not anarchy, and questioning those who hold public office is certainly not anarchy. These are the most basic expressions of democracy.”
He further accused the ruling party of hypocrisy, saying it had spent decades organizing protests, taking to the streets and challenging governments of the day when they were in opposition.
“Had the same restrictions, intimidation and police crackdowns been used against them, many of those in positions of power today would never have gotten to where they are,” he wrote.
“Democracy does not end after the votes are counted”
Dipke said the party is not seeking special treatment, but “We are simply asking for the exercise of the rights that belong to every citizen of this republic, regardless of which party is in power.
Read also | American singer Mary Millben takes aim at Dipke again; predicts PM Modi’s victory in 2029
He further called on citizens to question elected representatives, demand accountability and speak out against injustice, stressing that governments have a responsibility to listen to people rather than silence them.
“Democracy does not end once the votes are counted,” Dipke said.
Dipke’s remarks come as security has been beefed up in and around Connaught Place to maintain law and order ahead of the ‘Lehra Do Tiranga’ protest called by CJP activist Abhijeet Dipke in Central Park on Friday.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) has announced that Central Park in Connaught Place will remain closed to the public on October 16 and 17 for “administrative reasons”.
The Delhi Police said the ban under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) was already in force in Connaught Place and surrounding areas.
