Titas Mukherjee
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 the past 18 days alongside protesters demanding accountability over the NEET paper leak.
Making the announcement on social media, the satirical political outfit appealed to supporters across the country 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 in a post on X.
The CJP, founded by Abhishek Dipke in May, has been staging a sit-in protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past 25 days. The demonstration centres on demands for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike ever since, insisting that he will continue his fast until the Centre agrees to formally engage in talks with the protesters. According to CJP founder Abhishek Dipke, Wangchuk's health has deteriorated significantly after more than two weeks without food. "Wangchuk has been losing muscle mass and is in immense pain," Dipke said, adding that the activist has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his hunger strike.
The prolonged fast has prompted appeals from leaders across the political spectrum, as well as members of civil society, urging Wangchuk to end his fast while simultaneously calling on the Union government to initiate dialogue with the protesters. Among those who have appealed to Wangchuk are Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and several other Opposition parliamentarians. Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for his role in 3 Idiots, along with several academics and public figures, has also voiced concern over Wangchuk's health and urged all stakeholders to resolve the impasse through discussions.
Meanwhile, the CJP has intensified preparations for its proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march scheduled for July 20, coinciding with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. The party has launched a missed-call registration campaign to mobilise participants for the march.
