Cockroach Janta Party Calls 1-Day Hunger Strike in Support of Sonam Wangchuk, NEET Protesters

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 accountability over the NEET paper leak controversy.

The announcement comes as the protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar continues to gain attention, with political leaders, public figures and civil society members urging the Centre to engage in dialogue with the protesters.

CJP calls for nationwide solidarity

In a post shared on X, the Cockroach Janta Party appealed to citizens to participate in the symbolic fast.

"Tomorrow, July 16, join us for a one-day mass hunger strike in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and the students of this country."

The party said the campaign aims to amplify demands for accountability in the NEET examination controversy and support Wangchuk's ongoing protest.

Protest at Jantar Mantar enters 25th day

Founded by Abhishek Dipke as a satirical political movement in May, the Cockroach Janta Party has been staging a sit-in at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past 25 days.

The group has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging failures in handling irregularities linked to the NEET examination.

Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.

Concern grows over Sonam Wangchuk's health

According to CJP founder Abhishek Dipke, Wangchuk's health has deteriorated after more than two weeks without food.

Dipke claimed the activist has lost nearly 8.5 kilograms, experienced significant muscle loss and is enduring severe physical discomfort due to the prolonged fast.

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

Political leaders appeal for dialogue

Wangchuk's protest has received support from several opposition leaders and public figures.

Among those who have appealed to him to end the fast while urging the government to initiate talks are:

• Arvind Kejriwal
• Mamata Banerjee
• Shashi Tharoor
• Several opposition Members of Parliament

Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for 3 Idiots, along with academics and civil society representatives, has also expressed concern over Wangchuk's health and called for a peaceful resolution through dialogue.

'Chalo Sansad' march planned

Alongside the hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party is preparing for its proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

The party said it has launched a missed-call campaign to mobilise supporters.

According to party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka, more than 1.3 lakh people have registered their support for the proposed march.

Protest continues as demands remain unchanged

The latest hunger strike call reflects the protesters' continued demand for accountability in the NEET paper leak issue.

While political support for dialogue has grown, Wangchuk has reiterated that he will continue his indefinite fast until the government formally engages with the protesters.

Key Highlights

• Cockroach Janta Party announces a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16.
• The campaign is in solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and NEET paper leak protesters.
• Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 18th day.
• CJP's sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has continued for 25 days.
• The party plans to organise a 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20.
• Over 1.3 lakh people have reportedly registered support through the party's campaign.

FAQs

Why has the Cockroach Janta Party announced a hunger strike?

The party has called for a one-day mass hunger strike to express solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk and students protesting over the NEET paper leak controversy.

Why is Sonam Wangchuk on an indefinite fast?

According to the protesters, Wangchuk is demanding that the government hold talks regarding concerns linked to the NEET examination controversy.

When is the CJP hunger strike?

The one-day mass hunger strike has been scheduled for July 16, 2026.

What is the 'Chalo Sansad' march?

It is a proposed protest march organised by the Cockroach Janta Party on July 20, the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session.

What are the protesters demanding?

The protesters are seeking accountability over alleged NEET examination irregularities and have demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.