Sonam Wangchuk Vows 42-Day Hunger Strike if CJP Leaders Arrested Ahead of Delhi Protest

The activist has thrown his weight behind the youth-led movement, demanding accountability for examination irregularities while calling for a non-violent demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has issued a stern warning to authorities, announcing that he will embark on an indefinite 42-day hunger strike if key members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are detained ahead of their planned demonstration in the capital. As the CJP protest gains momentum, Wangchuk confirmed he would travel from Ladakh to Delhi on June 6 to stand in solidarity with the group, which has been vocal in its criticism of the Union Education Ministry.

The movement, led by founder Abhijeet Dipke, has centered its platform on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The group cites systemic failures in major national examinations, including NEET-UG, CUET, CBSE, and SSC GD, as the primary catalyst for their dissent. With Dipke scheduled to return to India and head directly to the Parliament Street Police Station to seek formal permission for the gathering, tensions have escalated, further fueled by reports that Dipke’s family has moved to an undisclosed location for security reasons.

A Movement Formalizes

The CJP has recently taken steps to institutionalize its outreach, appointing three official spokespersons to represent its interests. Wangchuk, who initially described the collective as a creative expression of India’s disillusioned youth, expressed surprise at his own alignment with the group. "I felt they were simple, honest, sincere and patriotic young people," Wangchuk stated in a video message released on X, emphasizing that his support was born out of a shared concern for the direction of the country's educational framework.

The stakes for the upcoming demonstration are high, as the movement seeks to challenge what it deems a "sham" in the handling of CBSE transfers and broader testing irregularities. For Wangchuk, the primary objective remains a peaceful assertion of rights. He has explicitly cautioned supporters against bringing any objects that could be construed as weapons, urging participants to carry only water bottles, mobile phones, and flowers.

Vigilance Against Provocation

Addressing the potential for unrest, the activist warned that any violence or disruption could derail what he characterizes as a historic youth-led struggle. He instructed attendees to remain hyper-vigilant, suggesting that they record or photograph any individuals attempting to incite trouble or carry provocative items to share with the police immediately.

This call for discipline comes at a critical juncture for the CJP, which is attempting to balance its burgeoning popularity with the logistical challenges of organizing a large-scale public event in Delhi. Whether the protest proceeds as planned or triggers the dramatic escalation Wangchuk has promised remains to be seen, but the fusion of the activist’s moral authority with the youth-driven intensity of the Cockroach Janta Party has turned this gathering into a significant test for student-led activism in India.