Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to use his Independence Day address to directly address concerns among India's youth, particularly on education, unemployment and rising inflation.

In a post on X on Friday, Dipke called on the Prime Minister to outline the government's plans and measures aimed at addressing issues affecting young people.

"We request the Prime Minister to explain what steps the government is taking for the youth on issues of education, unemployment and rising inflation," Dipke said in the post.

He also shared a link to an online petition and appealed to people who supported the campaign to sign it.

According to the information shared by the party, the petition had received more than 32,000 signatures by 4 am on Saturday. The link directs users to the CJP website, where they can participate in the campaign.

Focus on Youth Issues

Dipke's appeal comes ahead of Independence Day on August 15, when the Prime Minister traditionally addresses the nation from the Red Fort in New Delhi.

The CJP founder has sought a specific focus on issues that directly affect young Indians, including employment opportunities, access to education and the rising cost of living.

The party has increasingly positioned youth-related concerns at the centre of its political activities.

‘Kya Bolti Public’ Campaign

CJP has also announced plans to launch a nationwide public outreach campaign called 'Kya Bolti Public' from September.

Dipke announced the campaign during a media interaction in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Maharashtra, on Thursday.

Under the campaign, party representatives plan to travel to villages and cities and interact with young people to understand their concerns.

According to Dipke, unemployment and expensive education will be among the major issues highlighted during the outreach programme.

The campaign is expected to provide the party with an opportunity to engage directly with voters and gather public feedback on issues affecting different communities.

Protest Over NEET Issue

CJP has also been active in protests concerning the NEET-UG examination controversy.

Dipke and members of the party staged a protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for 36 consecutive days, from June 20 to July 25.

The protest focused on allegations surrounding irregularities and the NEET examination system.

The party announced the conclusion of its protest on July 25 following the resignation of then Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

CJP had demanded greater accountability and reforms in the examination system, particularly over concerns affecting medical aspirants.

Party Expands Organisation

The CJP also announced the formation of its National Working Committee on Thursday.

The party said it plans to establish state coordination committees along with Lok Sabha-level and city-level organisational units across the country over the next six months.

The move is part of an effort to expand the party's organisational presence beyond its existing base.

Political Outreach Ahead

The combination of the Independence Day appeal, the petition campaign and the planned 'Kya Bolti Public' programme indicates that youth concerns are likely to remain central to CJP's political messaging.

By focusing on employment, education costs and inflation, the party is seeking to connect its campaign with issues that affect a large section of India's younger population.

However, the petition and campaign represent the political position of CJP and Dipke and do not constitute government policy announcements.

With the Independence Day address approaching, Dipke's appeal places the focus on whether the Prime Minister will specifically address employment and education concerns in his national message.

Bageshwar Dham Peethadheesh Dhirendra Krishna Shastri, who returned after a 21-day solitary spiritual retreat, sparked attention with his initial sharp remarks on the NEET paper leak controversy before changing course to praise government measures.

The prominent spiritual leader from Khajuraho emerged from his one-month ekant sadhana and initially adopted a critical stance, raising concerns over the examination irregularities that have affected lakhs of students across the country.

Initial Sharp Criticism

On his return, Shastri voiced strong views on systemic failures in the NEET examination process. He highlighted the plight of students, particularly from rural and modest backgrounds, who invest heavily in coaching and preparation only to face setbacks due to paper leaks. 

In one of his earlier statements during the katha at Badrinath Dham, he had remarked, “Examinations are not supposed to leak... I wish the votes of leaders leaked instead!” He criticised the burden on students and families, questioning why the system escapes accountability while aspirants suffer.

Shastri had also touched upon broader issues like rising unemployment and VIP culture among leaders, urging greater sensitivity towards common citizens.

Sudden Change in Stand

However, within a day, the seer’s tone shifted noticeably. Addressing the developments on the NEET issue, Shastri welcomed the government’s decision to involve the Indian Army in conducting future examinations and transporting question papers via military aircraft to prevent leaks.

He extended thanks to the government and specifically acknowledged Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s intervention in the matter. 

“We are sadhus. We don’t speak with any planning. Whatever comes to our mouth, we say it,” Shastri clarified.

The spiritual leader emphasised that his comments stem from a place of truth and concern for students, not political motivation. “I am neither against anyone nor in favour of anyone. I stand for Sanatan values and the nation,” he added.

“We Speak Straight from the Heart”

Speaking to devotees in Khajuraho, Shastri explained his approach to public discourse. He stated that as a sadhak, he addresses issues as they appear before him, especially when young students approach him in distress.

He reiterated that he has never harboured political ambitions and his interventions are driven purely by social concerns affecting the youth.

Local observers noted the quick evolution in his position, with many interpreting it as a balanced response after initial emotional expression. Several devotees welcomed his appreciation for steps aimed at restoring credibility to competitive examinations.

Background of the NEET Controversy

The NEET-UG examination has remained in the spotlight after reports of paper leaks surfaced in multiple states. The issue triggered widespread protests by students and parents, with demands for stricter security protocols and accountability.

The government’s reported move to involve armed forces for logistics and security has been seen as a significant administrative step to safeguard the sanctity of these high-stakes tests that determine entry into medical and related courses.

Public Reaction in Khajuraho

In Khajuraho, where Bageshwar Dham attracts thousands of visitors, reactions to Shastri’s statements have been mixed. While some appreciated his initial bluntness on youth issues, others praised his willingness to acknowledge positive government actions.

Devotees said the spiritual leader’s direct style resonates with the masses because it appears unfiltered and grounded in everyday concerns.

Shastri’s ability to speak on contemporary issues while maintaining his spiritual identity has earned him a large following, particularly among younger devotees active on social media.

What Lies Ahead

The episode once again highlights the growing influence of spiritual leaders in shaping public discourse on governance and education-related challenges in India. As competitive examinations remain a pressure point for millions of families, any measure to enhance transparency draws significant attention.

Shastri is expected to continue his kathas and public engagements in the coming days, with many anticipating further commentary on national issues.