Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke marked Raksha Bandhan in a different way this year. He shared pictures of a cockroach-shaped rakhi on social media, carrying the message 'Rakhi aur istefa mubarak'.
The unusual rakhi quickly drew attention because of its connection with the CJP's political identity and its earlier protests over education issues.
Cockroach-themed rakhi grabs attention
Dipke posted pictures showing the special rakhi on his wrist as he celebrated Raksha Bandhan. Another picture showed the rakhi separately, with the words 'Rakhi aur istefa mubarak' written on it.
The cockroach has become closely linked with the CJP and its founder. Dipke formed the group as a platform focused on issues concerning young people, especially education. The group later became known for its protests over alleged problems and irregularities linked to the NEET examination.
The CJP held protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and in other parts of the country. The demonstrations continued for 36 days and eventually ended after the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The unusual Raksha Bandhan post appears to carry forward the same cockroach-themed identity that has become part of Dipke's public image.
From NEET protests to school campaign
After its NEET-related protests, the CJP shifted attention towards government schools through its 'School Thik Karo' campaign.
The campaign was launched on August 15. Dipke began the drive by visiting a government school in his native village of Santuk Pimpri in Maharashtra's Hingoli district.
Under the campaign, CJP members and volunteers visit government schools to look at their basic facilities. The group has raised questions about drinking water, toilets, classrooms, benches and other facilities needed by students.
Dipke also wrote to education ministers across states and asked them to respond to questions about the condition of government schools.
He argued that children cannot get a good education when schools do not have basic facilities. The campaign has therefore become another major focus for the group after its NEET protests.
CJP faces fresh challenges during school drive
The school campaign has also brought new problems for Dipke and the CJP. The group has faced claims of being stopped from entering some schools.
In one case, an FIR was registered against Dipke and CJP worker Ajinkya Shinde after they allegedly entered a government school in Maharashtra without permission. The case was registered at Ausa police station.
The CJP's activities have kept Dipke in the public eye, particularly among young people. The cockroach symbol, which began as part of the group's identity, has now become closely associated with his protests and campaigns.
His Raksha Bandhan post featuring the cockroach-themed rakhi and the 'istefa' message has once again brought attention to the group's distinctive style and its ongoing focus on political and education-related issues.