Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has accused Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) supporters of attacking a volunteer and his father in Bankura district, West Bengal, resulting in the father’s death. Dipke called for the immediate arrest of those responsible and vowed to continue campaigning for better government schools despite threats.
What Led to the Attack in Bankura?
The incident centers around Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, a CJP volunteer who was inspecting a local government school as part of the party’s 'School Thik Karo' campaign. Abdul visited the school where he once studied to assess its condition and advocate for improvements. According to Abdul, after visiting the school and requesting permission to inspect it, he and his father were assaulted later that day by a group of seven to eight men identified as BJP workers.
In a video shared online, Abdul described how the school teacher asked him to return the next day, but the real trouble began in the evening when the attack occurred. He also claimed that the assailants threatened to kill him. The assault on Abdul’s father was so severe that it reportedly led to his death. CJP leaders have condemned the violence and pledged to support Abdul’s family.
Details of the 'School Thik Karo' Campaign and Response
- The 'School Thik Karo' campaign aims to highlight the poor state of government schools by conducting social audits.
- Volunteers like Abdul inspect schools to document issues such as lack of water supply, electricity, functioning toilets, seating, hygiene, and mid-day meal quality.
- CJP co-convener Ashotosh Ranka announced plans to visit Bankura to investigate the attack and called on party supporters to gather at Indas Police Station to demand justice.
- Ranka also revealed that requests for school inspections have come from multiple cities in Rajasthan, including Jaipur, Ajmer, and Jodhpur.
- The campaign emphasizes grassroots involvement, urging parents and local residents to report school deficiencies.
Why This Incident Highlights Political Tensions Over Education
The attack and subsequent death of Abdul’s father underscore the volatile political climate surrounding efforts to improve public education in West Bengal. The CJP’s campaign challenges the ruling parties by exposing neglected infrastructure in government schools, which has sparked confrontations with BJP supporters accused of intimidation and violence.
Dipke’s statement reflects frustration over the dangers faced by activists advocating for better schooling conditions. He emphasized that the party will not be deterred by threats and will continue pushing for accountability and reform. The incident has drawn attention to the broader struggle for quality education and the risks faced by those demanding change in politically sensitive environments.
As CJP members prepare to visit Bankura and other districts, the situation remains tense, with calls for justice and improved safety for activists. The campaign’s expansion into Rajasthan indicates a growing movement to hold authorities accountable for the state of government schools across multiple states.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Cockroach Janta Party’s 'School Thik Karo' campaign?
A: It is an initiative by the CJP to inspect government schools and highlight issues like poor infrastructure, lack of basic amenities, and inadequate facilities, aiming to push for improvements through social audits and local involvement.
Q: Who was attacked in the Bankura incident?
A: Sheikh Abdul Hafiz, a CJP volunteer, and his father were allegedly assaulted by BJP workers after Abdul visited a government school as part of the campaign. The father’s injuries reportedly led to his death.
Q: What actions are being taken following the attack?
A: The CJP has demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible and plans to send a team to Bankura to seek justice for Abdul’s family. They are also expanding their school inspection campaign to other regions.
