What’s Driving the Protests at Jantar Mantar? Actor Prakash Raj Joins Hunger Strike Movement!

Protests Continue at Jantar Mantar

Actor Prakash Raj lent his support to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday, marking the 22nd day of their demonstration.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk, currently on his 14th day of an indefinite hunger strike, described himself as merely an 'ordinary citizen' rather than a 'modern Gandhi' or a hero.

Former Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac and CPI(M) leader Jitendra Chaudhury, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Tripura Assembly, visited the protest site to show their support for the movement addressing alleged examination irregularities, as reported by the CJP.

A health update from the organization indicated that Wangchuk's blood pressure was measured at 109/72 mm Hg while lying down and 106/74 mm Hg when sitting. His heart rate stood at 81 beats per minute, blood glucose at 78 mg/dL, and he has lost approximately 7.5 kg since the hunger strike began.

The bulletin confirmed that his hydration levels were adequate and he remained mentally alert.

In a video shared on X late Friday, Wangchuk mentioned feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained dedicated to the cause.

On the 13th day of his fast, he expressed, 'I am not feeling as energetic as I was yesterday. Some days are better than others.'

Wangchuk expressed gratitude for the support received on social media but noted that two types of comments disappointed him.

'Many refer to me as the Gandhi of the 21st century or a hero, which makes me uncomfortable. I am neither; I am just an ordinary citizen fulfilling my responsibilities,' he stated.

He encouraged individuals to stop seeking heroes and instead take personal responsibility. 'Don’t look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life and fulfill your duties as a citizen,' he urged.

Addressing the student suicides linked to alleged examination irregularities, Wangchuk called for active participation in the movement rather than passivity.

'If one of those students had been your sister or daughter, you would have joined us. Don’t wait for that. If you can’t come every day, at least join us for one day at Jantar Mantar. If you can’t make it to Delhi, observe a fast wherever you are and spread the message,' he implored.

He reiterated his call for people to join the planned march to Parliament on July 20, urging MPs to address the issues raised by the protesters.

'You don’t have to remain hungry for 24 days like us. Come after having your meal, but take responsibility as citizens and join us on July 20,' he added.

The CJP reported that Prakash Raj, Isaac, and Chaudhury interacted with the protesters, voicing concerns over ongoing examination irregularities and the uncertainty faced by students. They expressed support for a transparent and credible examination system and solidarity with Wangchuk's hunger strike, confirming their participation in the upcoming march to Parliament.

The All India Students’ Association (AISA), conducting a parallel indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, reported that the health of its hunger strikers—Neha, Aameen, Deepak, and Manish—has worsened, with declining blood glucose levels and continued weight loss.

Earlier, Wangchuk stated that his hunger had 'stabilized' after the initial days of fasting and emphasized that any attempt to remove him from the protest would infringe upon his constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

'I am here voluntarily, and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will violate our rights,' he asserted, continuing his fast in support of students seeking accountability for alleged examination irregularities and for a swift resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.

The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to examination irregularities. They have also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.

The CJP's protest commenced on June 20, with Wangchuk joining the movement on June 28 and maintaining his indefinite hunger strike since then.