Wangchuk's Health Worsens; CJP Alleges Police Assault as Protest Gains Wider Support
New Delhi | July 4, 2026 — Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorated severely on Day 7 of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. Amid growing support from opposition and civil society leaders, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that Delhi Police assaulted students attempting to establish a library at the protest site.
What Happened
New Delhi | July 4, 2026 — Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health deteriorated on the seventh day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with his blood sugar level reportedly dropping to 60 and his blood pressure remaining low. At the same time, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) alleged that Delhi Police assaulted students attempting to set up a library at the protest site, while the agitation received fresh support from civil society leaders and opposition figures. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said on X that Wangchuk's condition was "continuously deteriorating" and warned that the government would be responsible if anything happened to him. "Sonam Wangchuk's health is continuously deteriorating. His sugar level has dropped to 60, and his blood pressure is also very low. If anything happens to Sonam sir, the government will be responsible for it," Mr. Dipke said. He reiterated the party's demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying accountability was necessary over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. Calls for Accountability Addressing protesters, Dipankar Bhattacharya, General Secretary of CPI(ML) Liberation, said the demand for the minister's resignation was rooted in accountability rather than politics. "We are not seeking resignation because we like it. We are seeking resignation because there should be some accountability," he said. Recalling how former Railway Ministers, including Lal Bahadur Shastri and Nitish Kumar, resigned by accepting moral responsibility after major railway accidents, Bhattacharya remarked: "Now, the Railway Minister has become the reel minister." He also called for broader solidarity among climate activists, students, workers, and farmers, while accusing the ruling establishment of undermining democratic values and treating the Constitution as a "dead document." "Jantar Mantar Is the People's Parliament" RTI activist Nikhil Dey, who also visited the protest, described Jantar Mantar as the traditional space for people's movements. "Jantar Mantar is the people's Parliament. The people are on the streets asking only one thing — hear our voice." Drawing parallels with the Right to Information (RTI) movement, Dey said that just as citizens once demanded accountability for public spending, students were now demanding transparency over the NEET examination process. "They asked then, 'Give an account of our money.' Today, you are asking, 'Give an account of the NEET paper.'" The gathering erupted in cheers as Sonam Wangchuk arrived at the protest venue, with supporters raising slogans in solidarity. Protest Continues The CJP-led protest began on June 20, demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET controversy. Over the past several days, the agitation has drawn support from a wide range of political leaders and civil society members, including: M.A. Baby Brinda Karat D. Raja Yogendra Yadav Prashant Bhushan Annie Raja Anjali Bhardwaj Sagarika Ghose Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, also visited the protest site during the day. Meanwhile, six students associated with the All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike from a separate stage at Jantar Mantar. Library Row Sparks Fresh Allegations Later in the day, Dipke alleged that Delhi Police personnel assaulted two youths who were trying to set up a library at the protest venue and threw away books, including works on Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and Bhagat Singh. He demanded the suspension of Assistant Commissioner of Police Ajay Sharma, alleging that the officer insulted the two historical figures and questioned why police acted against students who "only wanted people to read books at the protest site." Dipke also claimed police later asked the students to provide proof that they had been assaulted. Earlier, he interacted with protesters during a session titled "Chai Pe Charcha with Cockroaches", saying the discussion was intended to gather feedback on how the movement could be expanded and strengthened.
Why It Matters
The deterioration of Sonam Wangchuk's health after 7 days of fasting highlights the severe stakes of the CJP examination reform movement. The government's continued silence combined with heavy-handed police actions—such as shutting down student libraries—has amplified anger and united diverse civil society factions, including opposition leaders, student bodies (AISA), and democratic reform groups under a single cause: accountability.
Official Statement
"If anything happens to Sonam sir, the government will be responsible for it. We demand immediate accountability and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan." — Abhijeet Dipke, CJP Founder
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