Actor Prakash Raj visited the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest site at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Saturday, expressing solidarity as the agitation entered its 22nd day. The protest, which began on June 20, centers on alleged examination irregularities and demands for education reform.
Wangchuk Distances Himself from Gandhi Comparisons
Sonam Wangchuk, on the 14th day of his indefinite hunger strike, said he is "just an ordinary citizen," not a "modern Gandhi" or a hero. In a video posted on X on Friday night, he stated, "Many people call me the Gandhi of the 21st century or a modern Gandhi. Others call me a hero. These comments make me uncomfortable. I am neither Gandhi nor a hero. I am just an ordinary citizen who has tried to fulfil his responsibilities." He urged people to stop looking for heroes and instead take responsibility as citizens.
Health Update on Wangchuk
According to a health bulletin shared by the CJP, Wangchuk's blood pressure was recorded at 109/72 mm Hg while lying down and 106/74 mm Hg in the sitting position. His heart rate was 81 beats per minute, blood glucose level 78 mg/dL, and weight 58.45 kg, totaling a weight loss of about 7.5 kg since the start of the hunger strike. The bulletin noted his hydration was fair and he remained mentally alert. Wangchuk admitted feeling less energetic than the previous day but remained committed to the agitation.
Support from Political Leaders
Former Kerala finance minister Thomas Isaac and CPI(M) leader and Leader of Opposition in Tripura Assembly Jitendra Chaudhury also visited the protest site and expressed support, according to the CJP. Prakash Raj, Isaac, and Chaudhury interacted with protesters and expressed concern over repeated examination irregularities and student uncertainty. They backed demands for a transparent, fair, and credible examination system, expressed solidarity with Wangchuk's hunger strike, and announced they would join the proposed march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20.
Call for July 20 Parliament March
Wangchuk reiterated his appeal for citizens to join the march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to urge MPs to address the issues raised by the protesters. "Like us, you don't have to remain hungry for 24 days. Come after having your meal. But take responsibility as citizens and join us on July 20," he said. He also urged people to participate rather than remain passive, referencing student suicides linked to alleged examination irregularities.
Student Hunger Strike Continues
The All India Students' Association (AISA), holding a parallel indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, reported that the health of its hunger strikers—Neha, Aameen, Deepak, and Manish—had deteriorated further, with falling blood glucose levels and continued weight loss.
Wangchuk on Constitutional Rights
Earlier, Wangchuk had said his hunger had "stabilised" after the initial days and asserted that any attempt to remove him from the protest site would violate his constitutional right to hold a peaceful protest. "I am here willingly, and there is no threat to my life. If they remove me, it will be a violation of our rights," he said, adding that he was continuing the fast in support of students seeking accountability over examination irregularities and for an early resolution of issues concerning Ladakh.
CJP Demands
The CJP has been demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over examination irregularities. The outfit has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20.
