‘I Need Some Rest’: CJP Chief Abhijeet Dipke Falls Ill After Weeks of Jantar Mantar Protest, Promises Return by Evening

New Delhi: After spending more than a month at the heart of the ongoing education reform protests at Jantar Mantar, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) chief Abhijeet Dipke was forced to take a brief break on Thursday after his health worsened due to high fever and severe body pain.

Dipke, who has become one of the leading faces of the movement demanding accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and broader reforms in India’s education system, informed supporters about his condition through a post on X (formerly Twitter).

In his message, Dipke said he had been battling fever and body aches for several days while continuing to participate in the protest. He explained that he had been relying on painkillers to carry on but finally needed a few hours of rest to recover.

He also reassured protesters that his absence would only be temporary and that he planned to return to Jantar Mantar by the evening.

Prolonged Protest Takes a Physical Toll

The continuous protest, which began on June 20, has demanded significant physical and mental endurance from Dipke and other demonstrators. The agitation has focused on alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, calls for transparency in the education system, and demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Apart from addressing large gatherings every day, Dipke has been coordinating protest activities, meeting supporters and political leaders, planning future demonstrations, and engaging with police and administrative officials.

The crowded environment, long working hours, and constant public engagements are believed to have contributed to the deterioration of his health.

Earlier this week, Dipke reportedly experienced vomiting and dizziness while attending the protest, raising concerns among supporters about his physical condition. Despite these health issues, he continued participating in the demonstrations until his fever forced him to step away temporarily.

Talks Between Protesters and Government Remain Unresolved

Meanwhile, efforts to initiate discussions between the government and the protesting group have not yet produced a breakthrough.

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According to reports, the government expressed willingness to hold talks with the protesters. However, members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) declined invitations to meet Union Ministers at their official offices or residences.

Instead, the protesting students and organisers insisted that any dialogue should take place at a neutral venue, arguing that such a setting would ensure transparency and fairness during negotiations.

As a result, discussions between both sides remain stalled, while demonstrations at Jantar Mantar continue.

Movement Continues Despite Health Challenges

Even as Dipke recovers from illness, the protest movement shows no signs of slowing down. Supporters continue to gather at Jantar Mantar, demanding action on education reforms and greater accountability from authorities.

Dipke’s assurance that he intends to return to the protest site reflects the determination of the movement’s leadership, despite the physical challenges associated with leading a prolonged public agitation.

With negotiations yet to begin and protesters maintaining their demands, the coming days are expected to be crucial for both the demonstrators and the government.