‘Seen garlanding rapists of Bilkis Bano’: Dipke on Pralhad Joshi’s appointment as Education Minister

New Delhi: Days after calling off the Jantar Mantar protest following the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister, founder on Saturday said that while the group’s demand for Pradhan’s stepping down was met, it was not happy with the choice of his successor.

Dipke noted that Joshi was seen garlanding the rapists of Bilkis Bano. “In place of him (Dharmendra Pradhan), who was made the education minister? It was Pralhad Joshi. He was seen garlanding the rapists of Bilkis Bano. Imagine how the school-going girls will feel on seeing such things. So, we do not support this,” the CJP founder said while speaking to news agency ANI.

Notably, in 2022, when 11 men serving life terms for raping Bilkis Bano during the 2002 Gujarat riots were released early, Joshi at the time supported the move and said that the decision was taken according to the law of the land. “When the government and the concerned people have taken the decision, I don’t find anything wrong in it as it is a process of law,” he was quoted as saying by NDTV.

CJP to hold two-day strategy meet

Meanwhile, on Monday, the CJP announced that it would hold a two-day strategy meet in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar starting from August 5. Those likely to participate include Dipke spokespersons and organisational leadership to discuss next steps.

For the last few days, the CJP has consulted various stakeholders on the group’s next step. Among them were 50 core volunteers who were also present during the Jantar Mantar protest. The CJP is likely to reach out to volunteers across the country. It will also organise a listening tour across the country.

‘No intention to become political party’

“The defeat of this arrogant government at the hands of the youth shows that when young people come together, they can achieve anything,” Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das said as per ANI. He added, “Our team is working to put together the best possible path forward to channel the expectations of our youth into meaningful action.”

Dipke, however, said the group did not have any intention to become a political party. “We have no such intention. We are seeing how political parties are being split using the ED and CBI. Votes are being deleted in elections. At this point, when people have lost faith in politics, what will we do by forming a political party? The way people are losing faith in the judiciary, election system and even the media, this country needs a public movement,” he said.