The family of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has revealed that they endured 'immense pressure' and received 'death threats' during the nationwide student agitation led by the outfit — an agitation that ultimately forced the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Speaking from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar on 25 July, Dipke's parents said they were nonetheless 'proud' of their son for spearheading the movement.

Family Fled Home for 15 to 20 Days

Abhijeet's father, Bhagwanrao Dipke, disclosed that the threats were serious enough to force the family out of their residence. 'People were saying all sorts of things. I was extremely anxious and terrified. Out of that fear, we even left our home and stayed away for 15 to 20 days,' he said. He added that the threats arrived via YouTube, underscoring how digital platforms became channels for intimidation during the agitation.

Despite the ordeal, Bhagwanrao expressed full support for his son. 'He has my blessings. His first movement has met with success; I congratulate him and hope that he continues to do good work in the future,' he said. He also thanked Dharmendra Pradhan for taking what he called the 'right step', noting that Pradhan's resignation letter had explicitly mentioned the need to focus on students' education — 'it is a big thing,' he added.

Mother Recalls Fear After Son Was Attacked

Abhijeet's mother, Anita Dipke, grew emotional recounting the period. 'I was very scared after he was attacked and slapped. It felt terrible, and I couldn't sleep or eat because of it,' she said. She described the news of the Education Minister's resignation as a moment of deep relief, calling it 'a very good development for the students' and expressing happiness that the government had listened to their demands.

Anita also invoked the timing of the development, noting that it coincided with the auspicious occasion of 'Ashadhi Ekadashi'. 'After so many days, we have finally received some good news,' she said.

Family Criticises Lathi Charge on Student Protesters

Both parents were critical of the police action during the July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march, during which student protesters reportedly faced a lathi charge. Anita Dipke was particularly pointed: 'They were students, who beats girls like that? Clothes were also torn,' she said, adding that the family had remained deeply anxious about Abhijeet's safety throughout the agitation.

Bhagwanrao maintained that his son had led the movement 'selflessly', a characterisation that allies of the CJP have echoed in the days following Pradhan's resignation.

Dipke Asks Parents to Wait Before Visiting Delhi

On the question of visiting Abhijeet in the national capital, Anita Dipke said her son had specifically asked the family to hold off. 'He said that he would get emotional seeing us in Delhi. He asked us to visit only when he calls us,' she said. The remark reflects the emotional weight of the weeks-long agitation on the Dipke family, even as the movement's central demand has now been met.

With Pradhan's resignation secured, attention now turns to whether the Centre will address the broader student demands that the CJP agitation raised — and whether Abhijeet Dipke, emboldened by this outcome, will sustain the organisation as a political force.