The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in support of activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast for 18 days alongside protesters demanding action over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Making the announcement on X, the party urged people across the country to join the campaign.

“Tomorrow, July 16th, join us for 1-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country,” the party said in its post.

The CJP, a satirical political movement founded by Abhishek Dipke in May, has been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for the past 25 days. The protest is centred on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

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Wangchuk’s health raises concern

Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has continued his indefinite hunger strike since then.

According to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the activist’s health has worsened after spending more than two weeks without food.

“Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in immense pain,” Dipke said.

He added that Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning the fast.

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Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk checks his weight while being attended by medical professionals on the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike during the Cockroach Janata Party’s protest | File image/ANI

Appeals pour in from political leaders

The prolonged hunger strike has prompted appeals from leaders across the political spectrum as well as members of civil society.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, and several Opposition leaders have urged Wangchuk to end his fast while calling on the Centre to engage with the protesters through dialogue.

Actor Omi Vaidya, known for his role in 3 Idiots, along with other public figures and academics, has also appealed for a resolution and expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health.

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Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke speaks during a protest at Jantar Mantar. Environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk also present | File image/ANI

Despite these requests, Wangchuk has maintained that he will continue the hunger strike until the government agrees to hold discussions with the protesters.

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Focus shifts to Parliament march

Alongside the hunger strike campaign, the CJP is preparing for its proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The party has been encouraging supporters to register through a missed-call campaign. According to spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, more than 1.3 lakh people have already registered their support for the planned march.

FAQs:

Why has CJP called for a one-day hunger strike?

The party says it is being held in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.

How long has Sonam Wangchuk been on hunger strike?

According to the information provided, his indefinite hunger strike has entered its 18th day.