The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in support of activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite fast has entered its 18th day. The protest is part of a wider movement demanding action over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and greater government engagement with protesters.

The announcement comes as demonstrations at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar continue to gain momentum, with organisers calling on citizens across the country to join the symbolic fast in solidarity with Wangchuk and students affected by the controversy.

CJP calls for nationwide participation

The party urged supporters to observe a one-day hunger strike on July 16, describing it as a show of support for both Sonam Wangchuk and students seeking accountability over the NEET paper leak issue.

The campaign has been promoted through social media, with organisers encouraging citizens to participate peacefully and amplify the demands for educational reforms and transparency.

Protest at Jantar Mantar enters 25th day

The Cockroach Janta Party has been holding a continuous sit-in at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the past 25 days.

The group’s primary demand remains the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging accountability over the NEET examination controversy.

Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has continued his indefinite hunger strike since then, making him one of the movement’s most prominent voices.

Concerns grow over Sonam Wangchuk’s health

Protest organisers say Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated after spending more than two weeks without food.

According to CJP founder Abhishek Dipke, the activist has experienced significant weight loss and weakening physical condition during the prolonged fast.

Organisers claim Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kilograms since beginning the hunger strike and continues to face increasing health challenges.

Despite concerns over his condition, Wangchuk has maintained that he will continue the fast until the government agrees to initiate discussions with the protesters.

Political leaders appeal for dialogue

Wangchuk’s hunger strike has drawn support and concern from leaders across the political spectrum as well as members of civil society.

Several political figures have appealed to him to end the indefinite fast while simultaneously urging the Centre to engage in dialogue with those leading the protest.

The issue has also attracted attention from members of the entertainment industry and academia, who have called for a peaceful resolution through discussions.

CJP prepares for ‘Chalo Sansad’ march

Alongside the hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party is intensifying preparations for its proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march scheduled for July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

The organisation has launched a missed-call campaign to mobilise supporters and encourage public participation in the march.

Party representatives say the campaign has already received registrations from more than 1.3 lakh supporters, reflecting growing interest in the planned demonstration.

What happens next?

The one-day hunger strike on July 16 is expected to serve as a precursor to the larger Parliament march planned later this month.

With Sonam Wangchuk continuing his indefinite fast and protest organisers pressing for talks, attention is now focused on whether the government will respond to the demands or engage with representatives of the movement in the coming days.

FAQs

1. Why has the Cockroach Janta Party announced a mass hunger strike?

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

2. When is the mass hunger strike scheduled?

The symbolic nationwide hunger strike is scheduled for July 16, 2026.

3. Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?

He is participating in the protest over the alleged NEET examination irregularities and has said he will continue fasting until the government agrees to hold talks with protesters.

4. How long has Sonam Wangchuk been fasting?

His indefinite hunger strike has entered Day 18.

5. What are the main demands of the protesters?

The protesters are seeking accountability over the NEET paper leak issue and demanding action, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

6. Where is the protest taking place?

The primary sit-in is being held at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

7. What is the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march?

It is a proposed march to Parliament scheduled for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, aimed at drawing attention to the protesters’ demands.

8. How many people have registered for the Parliament march?

According to the organisers, more than 1.3 lakh people have registered through the party’s missed-call campaign.

9. Have political leaders reacted to Wangchuk’s hunger strike?

Yes. Several political leaders and public figures have appealed for dialogue while expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health.

10. What is expected next in the protest movement?

Attention is now on the July 16 mass hunger strike, the planned July 20 Parliament march, and whether the government initiates discussions with the protesters.