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CHHATRAPATI SAMBHAJINAGAR: The father of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has alleged that his son was once threatened with consequences for his family if he did not join the BJP, saying the family came across the threat in a video on YouTube.

Speaking to news agency ANI after Abhijeet returned to his hometown following his 36-day agitation in Delhi, his father Bhagwanrao Dipke said, "He once received a threat, which we saw on YouTube. It stated that if he didn't become a BJP member, 'we know where your parents live and we will deal with them'..."

The alleged threat came amid Abhijeet's prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the examination system and the NEET paper leak issue. The agitation, led by the CJP, continued for over a month and grew into a wider movement before culminating in the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan.



Bhagwanrao said the family's last 40-45 days had been extremely difficult as they remained worried about Abhijeet while he was leading the protest in Delhi.

"Last 40-45 days had been very difficult for us. We could not eat properly, could not speak to others properly. He sacrificed his job for the country," he told ANI.

Abhijeet returned to Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar after spending 37 days at Jantar Mantar and received a warm welcome from his parents, supporters and well-wishers.

His father said the family had kept the arrangements simple as Abhijeet does not like excessive publicity or attention.

"He does not like too much show or publicity. Even when he had visited our village earlier, he did not allow any such celebrations or arrangements. He prefers a simple life and does not like unnecessary attention," Bhagwanrao said.

Abhijeet, meanwhile, said he was happy to finally return home after his prolonged protest.

"I was at Jantar Mantar for 37 days, and I am delighted to come back home after such a long struggle, now I can finally sleep peacefully... I wish to return to my normal life," he said, according to ANI.

However, the CJP founder indicated that the agitation may resume if FIRs registered against students are not withdrawn.

"We will continue our protests if the FIRs against students are not withdrawn. If needed, the next protest will be even bigger," Abhijeet said.

(With agency inputs)