Activist Abhijit Deepak Initiates Indefinite Hunger Strike Following Sonam Wangchuk's Hospitalization

Following the hospitalization of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Abhijit Deepak, founder of the Cockroach People's Party, has initiated an indefinite hunger strike. Deepak emphasizes the need for government accountability, particularly calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He insists that the government must first engage in dialogue before any demands can be discussed. Additionally, he supports the idea of appointing Wangchuk as the Education Minister, citing his extensive experience in the education sector. This movement raises critical questions about political responsibility and the future of educational reforms in the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 13:43 IST

Abhijit Deepak's Emotional Announcement

Shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to the hospital by Delhi police, Abhijit Deepak, founder of the Cockroach People's Party (CJP), declared on Saturday (July 18, 2026) that he would commence an indefinite hunger strike. Overcome with emotion while on stage, Deepak shed tears and stated in a post on X, 'I am starting my indefinite hunger strike from now. I urge everyone not to back down. This movement will grow larger. They have made a grave mistake.'

Government Should Initiate Dialogue

When asked about the demands he would not compromise on if the government called for discussions, Deepak responded that the government has not yet shown willingness to engage in dialogue. He emphasized that the government should first initiate conversations before any demands can be discussed.

Demand for Accountability: Resignation of Education Minister

A key demand of this movement is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In response to questions regarding this, Deepak stated that it is not merely about changing individuals but about establishing accountability. He noted that if a minister realizes that political responsibility will be assigned for issues like exam fraud and student suicides, serious efforts will be made to prevent such incidents in the future. When asked if CJP plans to form a political party or contest elections, Deepak clarified that there are no such plans at this time.

Should Sonam Wangchuk Be Appointed Education Minister?

On July 16, from the Jantar Mantar stage, Arvind Kejriwal, the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and former Chief Minister of Delhi, urged the government to appoint Sonam Wangchuk as the Education Minister. When asked by 'The Quint' if the movement would conclude if Wangchuk were appointed in place of Dharmendra Pradhan, Deepak expressed his belief that Wangchuk is qualified for the role, having dedicated his entire life to the field of education.