Activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike despite appeals from political leaders, supporters and legal interventions, saying breaking the fast without any response from the government would undermine the purpose of the protest.
Addressing supporters in a video message on the 18th day of his fast, Wangchuk said ending the protest now would send a message that governments need not be accountable to peaceful protesters.
“If I eat, what message will go? The message to the government will be that there is no need for accountability. Protesters sit and leave,” Wangchuk said.
Calls for Massive Parliament March on July 20
Instead of urging him to end the fast, Wangchuk appealed to supporters to participate in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed “Chalo Sansad” march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
He called upon students from schools, colleges and universities to treat the march as “a real lesson in political science and democracy” under the National Education Policy and urged people to register through the campaign’s website or missed-call initiative.
“Come in thousands on July 20. Together, we will hand over this issue to Parliament. Then I will believe that it has gone into the right hands,” he said.
Health Stable Despite 18-Day Fast
Seeking to calm concerns over his health, Wangchuk said medical examinations had not revealed any immediate danger despite his prolonged fast.
According to him, ECG reports and other medical tests remained satisfactory for an 18-day fast.
“My condition is not such that I will die in two-four days. Yes, there is weakness and my muscles are getting weak, but my heart and core are still fine,” he said, adding that he could continue fasting for several more days.
Movement Demands Education Reforms
The Cockroach Janta Party has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The movement is also seeking comprehensive reforms to the examination system and greater accountability in recruitment and entrance examinations.
Founded by Boston University student Abhijeet Dipke, the youth-led campaign has gained significant traction online, claiming millions of supporters on social media, while continuing sit-in protests at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk, known for his work on climate and education, joined the agitation later and has since become one of its most prominent faces.
Government Yet to Respond
Protest organisers say the Centre has not opened any dialogue with demonstrators despite repeated demands.
“The government was thinking that maybe if they ignore us, these are kids and they will go back home. But we have proved that we are here for the long battle,” CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said.
The protesters maintain that their campaign has evolved into a broader movement seeking accountability, transparency and restoration of trust in public institutions.
Security Tightened Ahead of Kejriwal’s Visit
Meanwhile, security has been stepped up around Jantar Mantar ahead of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal’s scheduled visit to meet Wangchuk on Thursday evening.
Additional Delhi Police personnel and paramilitary forces have been deployed around the protest venue as a precautionary measure.
Kejriwal has extended support to the CJP protest and reiterated the party’s demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged examination irregularities.
Police officials said the enhanced deployment was part of routine security arrangements based on crowd assessment and law-and-order requirements.
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