The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has announced that its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, despite activist Sonam Wangchuk ending his 26-day indefinite hunger strike after receiving assurances from the Centre.
Responding to Wangchuk’s decision, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the party was “relieved and grateful” that the activist had ended his fast. Thanking Wangchuk for what he described as his “extraordinary courage and sacrifice”, Dipke said the protest had brought national attention to the concerns of students. He, however, reiterated that the CJP-led demonstration at Jantar Mantar would continue until Pradhan stepped down.
The party also renewed its demand for the education minister’s resignation after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Union Cabinet had cleared a bill proposing stringent action against examination paper leaks, which is expected to be introduced in Parliament next week.
Reacting to the announcement, CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said the “strictest action” the government could take was to remove Pradhan from office. Dipke also criticised the proposed legislation by sharing an image on X showing a man locking the gate of a compound without boundary walls, in an apparent criticism of the government’s move.
Prime Minister Modi said the proposed legislation would strengthen action against examination paper leaks. He also stated that fast-track courts had already been established following allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and asserted that those responsible had been arrested and jailed.
Wangchuk called off his hunger strike late on Thursday after Union Ministers J P Nadda and Jitendra Singh met him at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram and conveyed the Centre’s assurances. According to Nadda, the government would not initiate action against those who participated peacefully in the Jantar Mantar protest or the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march to Parliament.
The Centre also assured that Parliament would discuss examination reforms and paper leaks, while the demand for compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak was under positive consideration.
Announcing the end of his fast on X, Wangchuk said he had taken the decision after discussions with the government and in view of concerns over possible violence. He urged supporters to keep the movement peaceful and said he would explain the terms of the understanding in a separate video.
Prime Minister Modi welcomed Wangchuk’s decision and wished him a speedy recovery, urging him to follow medical advice and regain his health.
The CJP maintained that its agitation would continue until its core demands are fulfilled. These include the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, accountability for the alleged examination irregularities, reforms to the education system, compensation of Rs 1 crore for families of students who allegedly died by suicide after the NEET paper leak controversy, and the withdrawal of FIRs and legal action against peaceful protesters.
Wangchuk joined the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar on June 28 and began his indefinite hunger strike in support of students seeking accountability and education reforms. During the 26-day protest, he reportedly lost around 11 kg while repeatedly urging demonstrators to remain non-violent despite police action during the July 20 march. He was shifted by Delhi Police to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18 due to medical concerns and was later transferred to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following directions from the Delhi High Court, where he continued his fast until reaching an understanding with the Centre.
