Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke responded to the growing comparison between youth-led protests in India and the regime changes seen in Nepal and Bangladesh.
Taking to X, Dipke shared a video statement on Tuesday. In the video, he rejected the claims and defended the jailed activists Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.
Dipke said that their peaceful protest showed their demonstrations followed the principles of Gandhian Satyagraha.
Responding to critics who have drawn parallels with youth-led unrest in France, Bangladesh and Nepal, Dipke urged people to focus on the non-violent approach adopted by protesters in India rather than equating their demonstrations with violent clashes or movements that led to changes in government.
Dipke’s Response To Critics
“To those constantly pointing fingers saying, ‘Look at what is happening in France…’ have some shame and look at what is happening right here in India. In India, Sourav Das and Ashutosh went to jail with smiles on their faces. They didn’t do anything like what is happening elsewhere. Even when they knew they were being unlawfully imprisoned, they chose peace and compassion, entering prison with smiles rather than anger or hatred in their hearts,” Dipke said.
Dipke Backs Jailed Activists Saurav Das, Ranka
Dipke dismissed comparisons between peaceful protests in India and the violent regime changes seen in other countries. He argued that the way the jailed activists have conducted themselves sets India’s civil resistance apart from movements elsewhere.
“People talk about Nepal or Bangladesh, but look at our comrades: they went to jail smiling, without being provoked. They continue to embody Gandhian values-smiling on their way to jail, smiling inside the courtroom. You cannot instil hatred in them; hatred resides in you. And everyone can clearly see the state to which your hatred has brought this country,” he added.
Dipke presented the activists’ imprisonment not as a means to spark chaotic regime change, but as a moral awakening that draws from India’s own historic struggle for independence.
“Without wanting to draw direct comparisons, it reflects what Mahatma Gandhi did; when he was sent to jail, he went quietly because it was his Satyagraha. Ashutosh and Saurav are carrying out that exact same Satyagraha. By enduring that pain inside prison, they are awakening the conscience of this country. I cannot wait for them to be released,” he stated.
Dipke’s Jibe At Political Opponents
Addressing state authorities and political opponents who see public gatherings as a threat to order, Dipke insisted that preventive detentions and prison sentences would neither break the movement’s morale nor drive it towards violence.
“If anyone thinks locking Saurav and Ashutosh up will intimidate or break them, that is never going to happen. I assure you, when they walk out, they will emerge with the same smiles, chanting ‘Inquilab Zindabad’ (Long Live the Revolution), continuing on Mahatma Gandhi’s path of peace and non-violence-values we deeply believe in,” Dipke added.