Alleging political pressure behind the cancellation of its scheduled meetings in Kolkata on Tuesday, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) made it clear that while the group would not directly contest elections, it would support political forces that align with its demands in student bodies as well as broader electoral exercises.
“We are not a political party. We will not participate in elections. But we will work together in poll-battles with the forces which align with our demands,” said the CJP’s co-convenor Ashutosh Ranka, adding that the outfit would extend its support to like-minded groups in student union elections and other political engagements across the country.
Expressing disappointment over the cancellation of events, Ranka alleged in a post on X that their scheduled meet-up at Bharat Sabha Hall in north Kolkata was called off after the venue owners received threats from BJP leaders. He further claimed that six other halls refused to host the event, citing pressure from the state administration.
“This only reinforces the fact that the BJP is scared of the cockroaches. While we will miss interacting with our supporters in Bengal, we promise to return with a much bigger event soon,” Ranka wrote.
The CJP leader was also scheduled to address a press conference at the Press Club in Kolkata. However, the event had to be cancelled following a disruption in the club’s power supply from Tuesday afternoon. Despite the setbacks, Ranka asserted that the outfit would continue its “School Thik Karo” campaign in West Bengal. He said supporters would keep visiting government schools and press for infrastructural improvements. “The more you stop us, the bigger we become,” he added.
Earlier on Monday, Ranka had issued a 10-day ultimatum to the state government, demanding the arrest of all those accused in the death of the father of a CJP volunteer from Bankura’s Indas. The volunteer had reportedly been associated with the party’s campaign highlighting poor conditions in government schools.
The victim, Sheikh Mohammad Mafik, was allegedly assaulted at his residence in Karishunda village last Thursday and later succumbed to his injuries at Burdwan Medical College and Hospital on Saturday. His son, Sheikh Abdul Hafeez, has demanded that a school be built in his father’s name in the village as a tribute.
Ranka also called for a court-monitored investigation into the role of police personnel at the Indas police station, alleging that the administration had failed to adequately support the victim’s family. He reiterated that the outfit would continue to push for accountability and reforms despite the recent disruptions.
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