Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Monday ended his indefinite hunger strike after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk appealed to him to preserve his health and continue leading the movement from the ground.
The announcement was made by Wangchuk’s wife, Dr Gitanjali Angmo, who has been coordinating the protest since Wangchuk was admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital following court-directed medical intervention over his deteriorating health.
According to Angmo, Wangchuk asked Dipke to discontinue his fast because “he needs the energy to continue the protest”, emphasising that the movement required active leadership rather than another prolonged fast.
Dipke subsequently joined CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament, reiterating that the agitation over alleged examination irregularities and accountability in the education system would continue.
The march took place amid heavy security deployment in central Delhi, with police restricting protesters from moving beyond designated zones while maintaining that only minimum force was used to manage the crowd. Although Dipke has resumed active participation in the campaign, Wangchuk remains under medical supervision, and his supporters say the movement will continue peacefully during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Wangchuk’s Appeal Changes Course
Dipke’s decision marks a significant shift in the protest strategy after he had begun his indefinite hunger strike on July 18 in solidarity with Wangchuk, who had already been fasting since June 28.
Dipke had launched his fast shortly after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital as his health worsened. The move had drawn criticism from supporters, while authorities maintained that the transfer was necessary following medical advice and court proceedings.
Addressing supporters, Dr Gitanjali Angmo said Wangchuk believed Dipke’s role was more valuable on the ground than on another hunger strike. She conveyed Wangchuk’s message that Dipke should “break his fast because he needs the energy to continue the protest,” adding that the campaign had entered a crucial phase that required organisational leadership.
Accepting the request, Dipke formally ended his fast before joining thousands of supporters for the Parliament march. He reportedly told protesters that the movement was “bigger than any individual” and that ending his fast should not be seen as a retreat but as a strategic decision to strengthen the campaign.
The demonstration unfolded under tight security across central Delhi as thousands gathered at Jantar Mantar before attempting to march towards Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon Session. Delhi Police deployed extensive personnel around Parliament Street, imposed movement restrictions in sensitive areas and detained several protesters attempting to move beyond designated protest zones.
Opposition leaders criticised the police action, whereas Delhi Police stated that only minimum force had been used to maintain law and order. Metro services in parts of central Delhi also witnessed temporary entry and exit restrictions before returning to normal later in the day.
Protest Movement Evolves
The latest developments come against the backdrop of Wangchuk’s prolonged hunger strike, which began on June 28 in solidarity with students demanding greater accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and reforms in the education system.
As his health deteriorated after nearly three weeks without food, doctors reportedly warned of serious complications, including dangerously low potassium levels. Following proceedings in the Delhi High Court, Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital for continuous medical monitoring despite his supporters expressing reservations about the move.
Since Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, Dr Gitanjali Angmo has emerged as the public face of the movement. She earlier announced that she would lead the planned Parliament march after the Delhi High Court declined her plea seeking Wangchuk’s transfer to a private medical facility. Angmo has repeatedly appealed to supporters to continue protesting peacefully and ensure that the movement remains focused on its stated demands rather than individual personalities.
The Cockroach Janta Party, founded by Abhijeet Dipke earlier this year, has rapidly expanded its presence by mobilising young people around issues such as unemployment, education reforms and alleged examination irregularities. Wangchuk’s decision to support the campaign transformed what had initially been an online mobilisation into sustained public demonstrations across Delhi.
Even though Dipke has now ended his fast, CJP leaders have maintained that the campaign itself remains unchanged. According to the organisation, the focus will continue to be on engaging political parties during Parliament’s Monsoon Session and pressing for action on the issues raised by students and supporters.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The decision by Sonam Wangchuk to ask Abhijeet Dipke to end his hunger strike reflects an important reminder that public movements are sustained not only by sacrifice but also by responsible leadership. Peaceful protests have long been a legitimate democratic tool for expressing public concerns, yet they should not come at the irreversible cost of human life or health.
At the same time, authorities have a responsibility to protect public safety while ensuring that citizens are able to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful assembly with dignity and restraint. As the movement enters a new phase during Parliament’s Monsoon Session, constructive dialogue between protesters, policymakers and institutions will be essential to address concerns without further escalation.
Also read: Cockroach Janta Party Claims Breakthrough as Talks Begin After Massive Jantar Mantar Protest
