Activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered its 10th day on Tuesday, as protests continued against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over exam paper leaks. The protest, supported by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has drawn attention to the issue, with Wangchuk demanding Pradhan's resignation.

Protest Background and Demands

The CJP began as a satirical online movement in May after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant's remarks allegedly compared some unemployed youths and activists to "cockroaches" and "parasites". The movement gained momentum following reports of a paper leak in the NEET-UG 2024 examinations, which were taken by over 22 lakh students. The protests at Jantar Mantar have since drawn support from opposition leaders like AAP MP Sanjay Singh and TMC MP Mahua Moitra.

Criticism Over Food Consumption During Protest

The CJP's Abhijeet Dipke has faced criticism on social media for consuming food, including bread pakodas and noodles, at the protest site while Wangchuk was on hunger strike. Dipke addressed the controversy, stating that the videos were circulated out of context and that the party's core team had consciously stayed off the hunger strike to manage the protest.

Dipke expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health, saying he had "urged him to end the fast, but the activist had refused to do so". The CJP claimed that Wangchuk had lost 5 kg and that his health was deteriorating rapidly. Dipke stated that the demand was specifically for Pradhan's removal from the Education Ministry, and that the protest would continue until the demand is met.

Next Steps in the Protest

The Centre has not responded to the demands of the CJP and Wangchuk's requests. The protest is expected to continue, with the CJP remaining at Jantar Mantar until their demands are met. The situation remains closely watched, with the health of Sonam Wangchuk being a major concern.

  • Protest location: Jantar Mantar, New Delhi
  • Key demand: Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
  • Number of students affected by NEET-UG paper leak: over 22 lakh