Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Continues Amid Protests
Ongoing Hunger Strike and Protests
The CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 26th day on Wednesday
New Delhi, July 15: Sonam Wangchuk, the activist, is currently under constant medical supervision as he marks the 18th day of his hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is spearheading protests against alleged NEET examination irregularities, has ramped up its criticism of the government for failing to engage with the demonstrators.
The CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar has now reached its 26th day. In a show of solidarity with Wangchuk and the students involved in the protests, the organization has declared a one-day mass hunger strike scheduled for July 16.
As per the latest medical update from the CJP, Wangchuk is reported to be "very weak" and remains under close medical observation. His weight has decreased to 57.15 kg, losing 400 grams in the past 24 hours, which brings his total weight loss since the beginning of the fast to 8.9 kg. His blood pressure is at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation is at 97 percent, with hydration levels described as fair.
Medical professionals have stated that while Wangchuk is conscious and mentally alert, he requires ongoing monitoring.
"On the 18th day of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, he has risked his life to advocate for justice for students who have tragically taken their own lives, yet the government has responded with silence. This shows not only a lack of accountability but also cruelty," remarked CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke in a social media post.
Dipke raised concerns about Prime Minister Narendra Modi's lack of dialogue with the protesters and questioned the accountability of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"Instead of focusing on why an opposition leader hasn't supported CJP or why not every team member is on a hunger strike with Sonam, we should be asking the critical questions," he emphasized.
The organization reiterated its call for public participation in the upcoming "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20, advocating for a transparent examination system, accountability for ongoing paper leaks, and the resignation of the Education Minister.
In a separate protest, leaders from the All India Students' Association (AISA) including Neha, Manish, and Aameen continued their fast despite facing health challenges.
The Left-backed student group reported that a delegation of academics, including Nivedita Menon, Aditya Nigam, Anuradha Chenoy, and Radha Kumar, visited the protesting students. Support was also expressed by Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj, MLA Atul Pradhan, and MLC Man Singh Yadav, who encouraged participation in the July 20 Parliament march.
On Tuesday, prominent political figures such as Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal urged Wangchuk to conclude his fast. Veteran actress Zeenat Aman also called on the government to engage in dialogue with the activist.
Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela visited Jantar Mantar to show his support for Wangchuk and the CJP protesters, alongside actress Swara Bhaskar.
The CJP expressed gratitude to Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for his backing of the movement.
Dipke encouraged supporters to change their social media profile pictures to demonstrate solidarity with Wangchuk. The organization reported that over 130,000 individuals have shown their support through a missed-call campaign backing the planned Parliament march.