The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his 25-day indefinite hunger strike, saying his health is “far too precious” while assuring him that the movement demanding examination reforms will continue.
The appeal comes as Opposition MPs, including Congress’ Vivek Tankha, Trinamool Congress’ Sagarika Ghose and CPI(M)’s John Brittas, are set to meet Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to persuade him to call off his fast and assure him that concerns over alleged examination irregularities and accountability in the education sector will be raised during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Wangchuk had earlier said he would end his fast if Members of Parliament committed to taking up the issue in Parliament but decided to continue after the police action during the CJP-led “Sansad Chalo” march.
Meanwhile, the Congress has intensified its criticism of the Centre over the alleged NEET paper leak, renewed its demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, and condemned the police action against student protesters.
CJP Appeals As Political Support Grows
The latest appeal marks a significant turning point in a movement that began as a student-led protest over alleged examination irregularities and has gradually evolved into a wider campaign for examination reforms and greater accountability in India’s education system.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke publicly urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health, saying the movement had become larger than any individual. “We request @Wangchuk66 sir to end his hunger strike. The country needs him, and his life is far too precious to be put at further risk.
The peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until our demands are met,” Dipke said. In a separate statement shared on social media, the organisation described Wangchuk’s fast as an inspiration for an entire generation and promised to carry forward the campaign with “even greater strength” until its demands are fulfilled.
The appeal comes alongside growing political engagement with the protest. According to PTI, Congress MP Vivek Tankha, Trinamool Congress MP Sagarika Ghose and CPI(M) MP John Brittas are expected to meet Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to assure him that issues relating to alleged examination irregularities, transparency in recruitment and accountability within the education system will be raised during Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Their intervention follows Wangchuk’s earlier statement that he would consider ending his fast if elected representatives publicly committed to discussing the matter in Parliament. The development also reflects increasing pressure on political parties to respond to concerns being raised by protesting students and civil society groups.
Hunger Strike Becomes Symbol Of Reform Campaign
Wangchuk joined the CJP-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28 in solidarity with students demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, structural reforms to India’s examination system, greater transparency in recruitment and admissions, and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
What initially began as a student-led campaign has since expanded into a broader youth movement highlighting concerns around examination integrity, recruitment processes, unemployment and institutional accountability.
As Wangchuk’s fast entered its third week, concerns over his deteriorating health prompted legal intervention. Acting on these concerns, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to ensure continuous medical monitoring. Following the court’s directions, Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital before he was later transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram for further treatment.
The transfer drew criticism from CJP leaders, who alleged that it disrupted the ongoing peaceful protest. Following Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, Dipke announced that he would continue an indefinite hunger strike on behalf of the movement while maintaining demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
The political debate has simultaneously intensified. The Congress has renewed its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged NEET paper leak controversy, accusing the government of refusing to permit a discussion on the issue in Parliament.
The party has also criticised the police action against student protesters during the “Sansad Chalo” march and announced that it would continue nationwide demonstrations demanding comprehensive examination reforms.
While the Centre has maintained that the examination system is being strengthened through various reforms and investigations into alleged irregularities are being pursued under the law, student groups continue to press for greater transparency, accountability and systemic changes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The developments surrounding Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike underline both the power and the limits of peaceful democratic protest. Hunger strikes have historically drawn public attention to issues that many believe deserve urgent institutional response, but they also come with serious risks to the health and life of those undertaking them.
As appeals from the Cockroach Janta Party, Opposition leaders and supporters increasingly focus on Wangchuk’s well-being, the moment presents an opportunity for constructive dialogue between all stakeholders.
Also read: Delhi Metro Closes 16 Stations as CJP Protest Enters Day 3 Amid Heightened Security
