Cockroach Party’s Dipke Accuses Government of ‘Cruelty’ as Sonam Wangchuk Enters 18th Day of Hunger Strike for Education Reform
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has criticized the government for its perceived indifference towards activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on the 18th day of a hunger strike. Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, amid ongoing protests concerning the NEET-UG paper leak and alleged flaws in the education system. The Ladakhi activist is under constant medical supervision as his health deteriorates.
On Wednesday, Wangchuk’s hunger strike was marked by visits from Members of Parliament from various parties at Jantar Mantar, coinciding with the CJP’s ongoing protest against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, which has now reached its 26th day. The CJP has also announced a one-day mass hunger strike scheduled for Thursday, ahead of their “Chalo Sansad” march planned for July 20.
‘Very Weak’: Sonam Wangchuk’s Health Bulletin
The CJP has released a medical bulletin indicating that Wangchuk remains “very weak” and is under 24-hour medical vigilance. His weight has dropped to 57.15 kg, a decrease of 400 grams in the last 24 hours and a total loss of 8.9 kg since the start of his hunger strike. His blood pressure was recorded at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 97 percent, with hydration levels described as fair. Medical professionals have stated that while he is conscious and alert, he requires continuous monitoring.
Abhijeet Dipke Targets Government
Dipke has directed his criticism at the government for allegedly neglecting Wangchuk’s health. He emphasized that Wangchuk, who has risked his life to advocate for students affected by suicide, has received nothing but silence from the authorities. Dipke stated, “The government is not just unaccountable; it is also cruel.”
Government Refusing to Engage in Dialogue
The CJP founder raised pressing questions regarding the government’s lack of engagement. He questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi has not initiated dialogue and why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan remains unaccountable. Dipke urged that instead of questioning the support of opposition leaders for the CJP, the focus should be on why the Prime Minister is avoiding discussions and why the Education Minister has not faced consequences.
Wangchuk, Dipke Get Support of Lawmakers Across Party Lines
Support for the protest has been growing, with notable figures such as Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party MPs Mohibbullah Naqvi and Ajendra Singh Lodhi, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen, Congress Lok Sabha MP Prashant Yadaorao Padole, and CPI Rajya Sabha MP Sandosh Kumar visiting the protest site. The CJP reported that these lawmakers assured protesters that their concerns would be raised in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament and during the all-party meeting scheduled for July 19.
Chandrashekhar Azad expressed his support for the Parliament march and called on students and youth nationwide to join the movement. Dola Sen conveyed her solidarity on behalf of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, recalling her own experience with a prolonged fast in 2006.
Comedian Kunal Kamra also visited the protest site, where CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka noted that Jantar Mantar was filled with supporters, declaring, “A tsunami is coming. Time’s running out for this government.”
Meanwhile, leaders from the All India Students’ Association (AISA) continued their hunger strike despite deteriorating health. AISA representatives, along with academics like Nivedita Menon and Aditya Nigam, visited the students to offer support. Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj, MLA Atul Pradhan, and MLC Man Singh Yadav have also encouraged participation in the Parliament march.
On Tuesday, several political leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, and Arvind Kejriwal, urged Wangchuk to end his fast. Veteran actor Zeenat Aman called for the government to engage in dialogue with the activist.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela and actress Swara Bhaskar were among those who visited the protest site to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the CJP protesters. The CJP has thanked Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for his support and has encouraged followers to change their social media display pictures to show solidarity with Wangchuk.
The organization claims that over 130,000 people have registered their support through a missed-call campaign for the planned Parliament march on July 20.
As reported by www.timesnownews.com.
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Published on 2026-07-16 04:54:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk