What’s Fueling the Ongoing CJP Protest at Jantar Mantar? Insights from Political Leaders and Activists

The ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar has entered its 15th day, attracting political support from figures like AAP's Sanjay Singh and CPI(M)'s John Brittas. Activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a hunger strike, while AISA reports health concerns among its fasting members. The protest, which began over alleged examination irregularities, has united various political leaders and civil society members in a call for accountability in education. As tensions rise, the demand for government action intensifies, with opposition pledging to raise these issues in Parliament. Explore the latest developments and statements from key figures involved in this significant movement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 4, 2026, 21:15 IST

Protest at Jantar Mantar Gains Momentum

New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has now entered the 15th day of its protest at Jantar Mantar, gaining new political allies such as AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas. Meanwhile, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is on the seventh day of his hunger strike. The All India Students' Association (AISA) reported that one of its fasting leaders was hospitalized due to a critical health condition.

AISA indicated that JNUSU Joint Secretary Danish Ali was taken to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Saturday evening after her blood sugar plummeted to 46 mg/dL following a week of fasting.

She was admitted for intravenous fluids, while five other AISA members—Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak, and Aameen—continued their indefinite hunger strike alongside Wangchuk and other demonstrators.

During a speech, Sanjay Singh criticized the BJP government for neglecting student issues amid ongoing examination controversies and questioned the absence of BJP leaders at the protest site.

He stated, "All political parties are here showing support for the legitimate demands of the youth. What prevents BJP leaders from joining us here?"

Singh assured that the opposition would bring this matter to the forefront during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.

"I urge the Prime Minister to find a resolution; otherwise, we will disrupt Parliament's proceedings," Singh warned.

He also appealed to the Delhi Police, saying, "Please refrain from using force against these students."

CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP John Brittas, who traveled from Kerala to show his support, characterized the protest as a national movement aimed at safeguarding the future of the youth.

"This is a spontaneous protest," he remarked, accusing the government of being insensitive and irresponsible.

Brittas highlighted the numerous allegations of examination irregularities, stating that nearly every major examination overseen by the Union government has faced scrutiny, and he encouraged young people to champion the fight for democratic rights and public education.

He reiterated that opposition parties would persist in raising these concerns both inside and outside Parliament.

Wangchuk, addressing the crowd, emphasized the importance of accountability.

"If we are forcibly removed, it would tarnish India's image globally as a nation that silences peaceful protesters," he asserted, clarifying that the demonstrators are merely seeking accountability in education.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke previously mentioned that Wangchuk had lost five kilograms, with his health deteriorating daily.

"How long will the Prime Minister wait before dismissing Dharmendra Pradhan?" Dipke questioned on social media, warning that the government would be held accountable if anything happened to Wangchuk.

The CJP also issued an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to break his "prolonged silence" regarding the protests and to hold Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan accountable for alleged examination paper leaks and student suicides.

The letter pointed out that Wangchuk's hunger strike aims to apply "moral pressure" on the government and questioned the lack of response after 15 days of protests.

It also reiterated claims that Delhi Police had assaulted students and disrupted their attempts to establish a library at the protest site.

Late Friday night, Wangchuk expressed optimism about the progress in discussions between the Centre and representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance regarding Ladakh's demands, urging the government to focus on accountability in education.

His comments followed the resolution of differences with the Ministry of Home Affairs, paving the way for further negotiations.

The protest has also garnered support from the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which announced plans to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on Sunday.

In a letter to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the farmers' organization expressed its "wholehearted solidarity" with the protest, asserting that the struggles of students and youth are intertwined with those of farmers, and called for the government to take action by ensuring Pradhan's resignation.

Initiated on June 20 over alleged examination irregularities, including NEET, the protest has attracted a diverse array of political leaders and civil society members, such as M A Baby, Brinda Karat, D Raja, Annie Raja, Dipankar Bhattacharya, Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan, Anjali Bhardwaj, Nikhil Dey, Sagarika Ghose, and Mahua Moitra.