New Delhi, July 13, 2026 : The ongoing protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) over alleged examination irregularities entered its 24th day on Monday, while educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike reached Day 16, with the organisation claiming his health has deteriorated significantly.
According to a health update released by the CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar and his blood glucose level has dropped to 67 mg/dL. The update further stated that his blood pressure was recorded at 107/70 mm Hg, raising concerns about his physical condition as the fast continues.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke appealed to the Central Government to engage with the protesters and address their demands, saying the situation should not become “a battle of egos” when human lives are at stake.
“Day 16 of Wangchuk’s hunger strike. I request the government not to turn this into a battle of egos as human lives are at stake here,” Dipke said in a post on X.
He further stated that acknowledging mistakes reflects accountability rather than weakness and urged the government to take corrective steps.
“All we are asking for is accountability,” he added.
The protest also received political support on Monday, with an Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) delegation led by former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi visiting the protest site and expressing solidarity with the agitation.
According to the CJP, the AAP delegation supported the demand for a transparent, fair and credible examination system and reiterated its call for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Leaders of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), including MP Amra Ram along with senior leaders from Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan, also visited the protest venue and extended support to the movement. The delegation backed the proposed peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Meanwhile, members of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), affiliated with CPI(ML) Liberation, including Neha, Manish, Deepak and Aameen, continued their separate indefinite hunger strike at the protest site.
In a statement, AISA said Atishi met the students on hunger strike and expressed concern over what the organisation described as the government’s lack of response despite students remaining on indefinite fast for several weeks.
The student organisation claimed the health of the fasting students had further deteriorated but affirmed that the protest would continue until their demands were addressed.
The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging failures in handling examination irregularities. The organisation has also sought ₹1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the alleged examination-related controversies.
As part of its ongoing campaign, the CJP has announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, seeking accountability and reforms in the country’s examination system.
The agitation began on June 20, while Sonam Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then. The claims regarding Wangchuk’s health and the protesters’ demands have been made by the CJP, and official responses from the Centre on these specific claims were not included in the statement.
