Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Tuesday responded to questions over his absence from the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest in Delhi, saying he was away in Punjab on official work but asserted that his party fully participated in the demonstration.
Backing the ongoing agitation over alleged NEET examination irregularities, Kejriwal said AAP leaders and even members of his family joined the protest, reaffirming the party’s support for the students’ movement.
Kejriwal Explains Why He Was Missing
Addressing reporters, Kejriwal said he had received questions about why he was not present during Monday’s high-profile protest near Parliament. He clarified that he was in Punjab but maintained that his absence did not reflect a lack of support for the agitation.
He said, “Some people have asked me, ‘Kejriwal ji, why were you not at yesterday’s protest?’ I had to go to Punjab for some reason, but both my children were at the protest. They marched alongside the other protesters for four to five hours. When tear gas shells were fired, my children were also present there. All our leaders were present, and the entire Aam Aadmi Party and our whole family were there.”
AAP Reiterates Support for Student Protest
Kejriwal’s remarks come a day after clashes broke out during the CJP’s ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, where protesters seeking action over alleged NEET-UG irregularities attempted to march towards Parliament. The protest witnessed heavy police deployment, detentions and the use of crowd-control measures after demonstrators breached security barricades.
By highlighting the participation of his children and party leaders, Kejriwal sought to underline AAP’s continued backing of the student-led movement despite his personal absence.
Political Row Over CJP Protest Intensifies
The CJP-led agitation has triggered sharp political exchanges, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre of failing to address students’ concerns, while the government has defended the security response, citing the need to protect Parliament and maintain public order.
As the Monsoon Session continues, the NEET controversy and the CJP protests remain at the centre of the political debate.
Q1. Why was Arvind Kejriwal absent from the CJP protest?
Answer: Kejriwal said he was in Punjab for official work and therefore could not attend the protest in Delhi.
Q2. What did Arvind Kejriwal say about his family’s participation?
Answer: He said both of his children joined the protest, marched for several hours and were present when tear gas shells were fired.
Q3. Did the Aam Aadmi Party support the protest?
Answer: Yes. Kejriwal said all senior AAP leaders participated in the demonstration, reaffirming the party’s support for the protesters.
Q4. What was the CJP protest about?
Answer: The protest focused on alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities and demands related to education reforms and accountability.
