Pune MPSC Protest: Abhijit Dipke Questions Political Awareness, Raises Concerns Over Students’ Future
Sadashiv Peth, 4th October 2026: Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), visited the ongoing protest by MPSC aspirants behind Garware College in Pune and raised questions about political awareness among citizens, while also criticising the state government over issues concerning students and governance.
Speaking to reporters during his visit to the protest site, Dipke said citizens need greater awareness about their voting rights and fundamental responsibilities.
“Science books are big, and mathematics books are also big. But the civics book, which teaches us how to become responsible citizens and what our responsibilities towards the country are, is the smallest,” Dipke said.
He said voters need to be more aware of the purpose of their vote and should evaluate political parties and candidates based on issues affecting their lives.
“Someone comes and says religion is in danger and asks you to vote. Someone else says your caste is in danger and seeks your vote. But what will actually change in your life? Will you get better education? Will the road outside your house improve? Will paper leaks stop?” he asked.
Dipke also raised concerns over the future of MPSC aspirants participating in the protest and called for those responsible for the examination and recruitment process to be held accountable.
“The future of so many students is at stake. If a mistake has been made, why should there not be a resignation? Why have you been appointed to the position?” he asked.
Criticism of Fadnavis government
Dipke also criticised Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, questioning appointments to key positions in the state. Referring to what he described as close relationships in such appointments, he used the phrase “friends with benefits” to take a jibe at the government.
He also alleged that industries from Maharashtra were being shifted to Gujarat and criticised the state government’s policies in this regard.
Dipke further appealed to citizens to value the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution and associated with the work of Dr B. R. Ambedkar.
“Perhaps we do not realise the importance of our rights because we received them relatively easily. We need to become more sensitive about our fundamental rights,” he said.
The remarks came amid the ongoing protest by MPSC aspirants in Pune over various issues related to competitive examinations, recruitment and alleged irregularities.
