Prime Minister Modi Criticized Over NEET Protests and Social Media Engagement

As protests erupt nationwide regarding the NEET paper leak, Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Public Party (CJP), mocked Prime Minister Narendra Modi's attempts to connect with students on social media. He suggested that Modi should resign from his high office and instead pursue a career as an influencer. Speaking to the media upon returning to his hometown in Maharashtra after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Dipke stated that PM Modi would be more effective as a social media influencer, allowing someone else to take charge of the country. He remarked, 'I believe Prime Minister Modi should become an influencer now. He is doing well in that role. He should step down so another leader can take on this responsibility.' This comment came in response to media inquiries about a video where Modi addressed students on social media.

Dipke further accused state governments of targeting protesters even after the demonstrations had concluded. He claimed that the CJP has observed that various state administrations are actively seeking out and harassing demonstrators. 'The government must stop troubling students. If this continues, the protesters will teach the government a lesson in the upcoming elections,' he warned. He asserted that the public's anger has not diminished with Pradhan's resignation, emphasizing that the frustration was directed at the government itself. Dipke questioned why the BJP has failed to comprehend the youth's discontent.

Issuing a warning that if harassment of students persists, protests could reignite, Dipke stated that the government should not interpret the end of demonstrations as the conclusion of the movement. 'These students are not terrorists; they represent the future of our country. If the future of the nation is troubled in this manner, as seen with Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, we will change the government if it does not follow the right path,' he added. He further indicated that if necessary, the next movement could be 'on a much larger scale.'