What’s Driving Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike? Insights from the Ongoing CJP Protest

The CJP protest in New Delhi has entered its 12th day, with activist Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike for four days. Despite health concerns, he remains committed to raising awareness about student issues and government accountability. As the protest continues, the health of other participants is also deteriorating, prompting calls for action from student organizations. This article delves into the ongoing situation, health updates, and the broader implications of the protest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 1, 2026, 15:38 IST

Day 12 of CJP Protest: Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Continues

In New Delhi, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar has reached its 12th day, with activist Sonam Wangchuk entering the fourth day of his hunger strike. Despite feeling slightly fatigued, he reported that his overall condition was stable. Meanwhile, students from the All India Students' Association (AISA) expressed concerns regarding the health of those participating in the indefinite fast.

Wangchuk provided a health update, revealing that medical professionals recommended he increase his water and salt intake due to low blood pressure. He noted that his blood sugar level was at 66, a consequence of not eating for three days.

"My blood sugar is low at 66, but that’s expected after three days without food. As ketosis sets in, the body starts to burn fat. In prolonged fasting, muscle and organ consumption can occur, but I'm not at that stage yet," Wangchuk explained.

He also mentioned a weight loss of two kilograms, indicating that a daily loss of around 650 grams is typical.

"My discomfort pales in comparison to the sacrifices made by over 20 students who lost their lives and the five young individuals who died in Ladakh last September," he stated, expressing gratitude to his supporters.

In related news, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke reported that a student named Inesh, who had been on a hunger strike for eight days, was hospitalized after his condition worsened but is now recovering.

"Inesh is doing well in the hospital. Our team is monitoring his recovery closely," Dipke shared on social media.

Dipke criticized the government, stating that the demand for accountability arose from numerous incidents, including alleged exam paper leaks and student suicides.

"What does it take to demand accountability? Countless paper leaks, shattered dreams, over 20 student suicides, and a hunger strike by an educator and the youth," he remarked.

He accused the current government of unprecedented arrogance.

AISA reported that the health of students on hunger strike has deteriorated as their fast continues into the fourth day. They stated that JNUSU Joint Secretary Danish's blood sugar had fallen to 61 mg/dL, with doctors warning of serious consequences if the fast continued.

AISA also claimed that two other participants, Aameen and Deepak, were advised by doctors to stop their hunger strike due to critical health concerns.

The organization has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that the government is ignoring students' issues.

The CJP protest commenced on June 20, focusing on alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. Dipke mentioned that the movement would also address other accountability issues, such as electoral matters related to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.