New Delh, July 15, 2026 : Activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday, remaining under continuous medical supervision as concerns over his health deepened. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) intensified its criticism of the Central government, accusing it of maintaining a “cruel silence” instead of engaging with the protesters’ demands.
According to a medical bulletin released by the CJP, Wangchuk is extremely weak and remains under 24-hour medical observation.
His health parameters on Wednesday were as follows:
- Weight: 57.15 kg (down 400 grams in the last 24 hours)
- Total Weight Loss: 8.9 kg since the fast began
- Blood Pressure: 105/76 mmHg
- Blood Sugar: 80 mg/dL
- Oxygen Saturation: 97%
- Hydration: Fair
Doctors stated that while Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert, his condition requires continuous monitoring.
CJP Slams Government
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the government has failed to respond despite Wangchuk risking his health in support of students.
In a post on X, Dipke said the activist had “put his own life on the line to seek justice for students who died by suicide” but had received “nothing but silence” from the government.
He questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not initiated dialogue with the protesters and why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not been held accountable over the issues raised by the agitation.
Dipke also urged the public to focus on these questions rather than debating the level of support from opposition parties or individual activists.
Protest at Jantar Mantar Continues
The CJP’s protest at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered its 26th day on Wednesday.
The organisation announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16 in solidarity with Wangchuk and the students participating in the protest.
The CJP also renewed its call for the “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, demanding:
- A transparent examination system
- Accountability for repeated examination paper leaks
- Removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
According to the organisation, more than 1.3 lakh people have registered support for the Parliament march through its missed-call campaign.
Student Leaders Continue Fast
At a separate protest site, All India Students’ Association (AISA) leaders Neha, Manish and Aameen continued their hunger strike despite deteriorating health.
AISA said a delegation comprising academics Nivedita Menon, Aditya Nigam, Anuradha Chenoy and Radha Kumar visited the students to express solidarity.
Support also came from Samajwadi Party MP Priya Saroj, MLA Atul Pradhan, and MLC Man Singh Yadav, who appealed to people to participate in the July 20 Parliament march.
Political and Public Support Grows
On Tuesday, several political leaders, including Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast.
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman urged the government to initiate dialogue with the activist, while former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity. Actor Swara Bhaskar also joined the protest.
The CJP additionally thanked Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for extending support to the ongoing agitation.
As Wangchuk’s hunger strike enters its third week, the protest continues to draw political attention and public support, with demonstrators pressing for dialogue and reforms in the examination system.
