Jaipur: Tensions surged in Rampura-Kanwarpura village of Jaipur district as a violent protest unfolded during the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) visit to a local govt primary school for their ‘School Thik Karo’ campaign Friday.
Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) workers at SMS Hospital
Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) workers at SMS Hospital
The team’s co-convener, Ashutosh Ranka, alleged that CJP members faced aggressive opposition, with protesters blocking their entry, pelting stones, damaging vehicles and forcing them to retreat. By late night, FIRs were registered based on cross-complaints from both CJP and opposing protesters.Ranka later set a 48-hour deadline for the arrest of those involved in the assault and the withdrawal of a recent school education department order limiting access to govt schools in the state.“All these BJP goons should be arrested within 48 hours, and the education department’s order should be withdrawn; otherwise, this protest will be escalated, and we will demand the resignation of school education minister Madan Dilawar,” Ranka said.By late evening, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that if repairs to the Govt Primary School in Rampura-Kanwarpura do not commence and those responsible for the assault are not arrested within 48 hours, he would stage a sit-in protest outside it.In a video message, Dipke called on citizens to come to Jaipur and unite in the protest for the school’s improvement, declaring, “BJP members, you may attack us as much as you want, but we are not going to back off, we will ensure that schools get fixed”.DCP (South) Rajarshi Raj Varma confirmed that police were investigating the complaints, noting that the CJP had alleged criminal intimidation and assault by a group of protesters, while there was a counter-complaint against CJP members also.“The case is under investigation. Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the probe,” Varma said.Ranka expressed anger over the treatment of the govt primary school, highlighting that it has been on inadequate facilities. “For years, the govt school in Rampura-Kanwarpura has been operating out of a buffalo shed. Yet, when we arrived to inspect the site, we were subjected to open assault and stone-pelting. Car windows were smashed, stones were pelted on our team…. My own clothes were torn,” he said, alleging that the assault was orchestrated by minister Dilawar.In a rebuttal via social media, Dilawar said, “Do not turn schools into political arenas! It has come to our knowledge that individuals associated with certain so-called political parties are visiting schools and attempting to unnecessarily spoil the atmosphere. This is extremely regrettable.”Quotes:Leader of Opposition, Tikaram Jully“There is no place for violence in our society. They (CJP members) were raising issues related to children; BJP govt has brought a foolish order to hide its failures.”Congress MLA, Sachin Pilot“Govt’s new order prohibiting journalists from entering schools is a way to hide its own failures. The condition of schools is deteriorating; buildings are dilapidated; children have died, but the govt is issuing such a diktat.”
