Appeals for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike continued as concerns over his health intensified. Wangchuk’s fast entered its 18th day. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) continued its protest against alleged examination irregularities and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Political Leaders Urge Sonam Wangchuk to End Fast
The CJP announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16. It urged people across the country to join the protest in solidarity with Wangchuk and students. The campaign, it said, would continue to gather public support as his fast continued.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Sonam Wangchuk has lost more than 8 kg and is suffering from severe muscle loss. He added that Sonam Wangchuk’s blood pressure was recorded at 109/70 mm Hg. His blood sugar levels had repeatedly fallen below 70 mg/dL. This caused constant dizziness, weakness and visible physical deterioration.
Dipke said he personally requested Sonam Wangchuk to end the hunger strike, but the activist refused. Recalling their conversation, Dipke quoted Wangchuk: “Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue.” Dipke also appealed to the government not to turn the issue into a “battle of egos.” He said the movement was seeking accountability rather than confrontation.
Sonam Wangchuk Gets Cross-Party Support
Several political leaders across party lines extended support to Sonam Wangchuk. They also expressed concern over his declining health.
Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra described Wangchuk’s campaign as a movement that had united young people across the country. She appealed to him to end the hunger strike and continue the movement through other democratic means. She said his life was too valuable to risk.
An Aam Aadmi Party delegation led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi visited the protest site at Jantar Mantar. The delegation expressed support for the agitation. Senior CPI(M) leaders, including MP Amra Ram, also met the protesters. They backed their demands while extending support for the proposed Parliament march.
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also expressed solidarity with the movement. According to Dipke, Thackeray spoke to him over the phone. He expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and appealed to the activist to end his fast. He also assured continued support for the campaign.
Actor Shreya Dhanwanthary also appealed to Wangchuk to consider ending his hunger strike. She also appreciated his peaceful form of protest.
CJP Announces Examination Reform Charter
Alongside the ongoing protest, the Cockroach Janta Party unveiled its Five-Point Examination Reform Charter during a press conference at Jantar Mantar.
The Five-Point Examination Reform Charter calls for reforms to make India’s public examination system more transparent, accountable and credible. Through the charter, CJP said it aims to restore public confidence in examinations while addressing concerns over alleged irregularities.
How the Protest Began
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET (UG) 2026 and other examinations.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The protest group has alleged repeated failures in the public examination system and has been demanding greater accountability and reforms. It has also demanded ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to the examination controversy.
Protest to Continue Ahead of Parliament March
The CJP has announced a peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the beginning of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. The group said it would continue building public support until accountability is fixed for repeated examination failures, systemic reforms are implemented and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
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