Published Jul 13, 2026 | 1:58 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 13, 2026 | 1:58 PM
Sonam Wangchuk at the protest site in Jantar Mantar.
Synopsis: The Cockroach Janata Party expressed concern over the declining health of activist Sonam Wangchuk as his hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 16th day without any government response. CJP requested the government not to turn the protest into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake.
As the hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan entered its 16th day on Monday, 13 July, the organisers of the protest expressed concern over his declining health.
The organisers, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), said that although the hunger strike has continued for more than two weeks, the Union government has not responded.
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding that Pradhan take responsibility for the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and the student suicides linked to it, started on 20 June. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike since 28 June.
They demand the resignation of Pradhan and ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide since the NEET paper leak.
Speaking to South First, CJP spokesperson Sourav Das said they are concerned over Wangchuk’s health, as he is unwilling to end his hunger strike unless Pradhan resigns.
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Das also expressed surprise over the Congress and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, not extending solidarity with the protest.
“Frankly, we’re very surprised that Rahul Gandhi, as the Leader of the Opposition, is unwilling to support us. We hope that he does, because this is beyond party politics. This is about the movement, the dead students, Sonam, and all of us. As the Leader of the Opposition, at least, he should come out in support of us and the demands we are making,” he added.
When asked if any other Opposition parties extended support, he said, “CPI, CPI(M), CPI(ML), TMC, the Samajwadi Party — all of them have extended their support. Bhim Army has also extended its support. That’s about it.”
“We are hoping that Congress and the DMK will support us. We’ve reached out to them, but we’re yet to hear back,” he added.
Noting that Wangchuk’s only intake is salt water, Das said that his health is deteriorating and that the Union government has not responded to the protest.
“Just pray for Sonam, and pray that the deaf and dumb government wakes up and engages with the protesters. It’s a very sad state of affairs because even the British used to respond to these kinds of hunger strikes in the past. But now, a Ramon Magsaysay Award recipient is sitting on a hunger strike, and his own government is unwilling to hear him out. People should really think about what kind of people they’ve chosen to rule over them,” he said.
Das said that Wangchuk is undergoing medical check-ups twice a day.
He added that they expect a resolution from the Union government on 20 July, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, when they have planned a march to Parliament.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, in a post on X, requested the government not to turn the protest into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake.
“Acknowledging a mistake is not a sign of weakness. It is a sign of maturity, accountability, and the willingness to correct course. All we are asking for is accountability,” he said.
