The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi entered its 16th day on Sunday, July 5, 2026, with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continuing his indefinite hunger strike for the eighth consecutive day. Wangchuk has lost approximately six kilograms since beginning the fast, according to a health bulletin issued by attending doctors.
Wangchuk's Health Status
The medical bulletin reported that Wangchuk's blood pressure was 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, his heart rate was 72 beats per minute, and his blood sugar level stood at 67 mg/dL. Doctors noted that his hydration is fair, he remains mentally alert, and his current weight has dropped to 60.95 kg, reflecting a loss of around six kg over seven days.
Demands and Allegations
The CJP is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks have devastated the lives of students and their families. In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke stated that the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa visited the protest site on Sunday. The outfit claims Thapa died after an alleged paper leak shattered her dreams. Dipke said Thapa's father, an Army veteran, joined the protest with an appeal that no other family should endure such a loss and urged the Centre to prevent similar incidents.
The CJP expressed firm solidarity with Thapa's parents in their grief and fight against what it described as a corrupt system that failed their daughter. The National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) for medical college admissions, held on May 3, was cancelled amid allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was conducted on June 21.
Support from Farmers' Body and Student Groups
The Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which had earlier extended support to the CJP agitation, is scheduled to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. The farmers' body had initially planned to visit on Sunday but rescheduled. SKM expressed solidarity with students and youngsters, stating that every student has the right to a transparent, fair, and credible examination system and that ensuring accountability is the government's responsibility.
Several members of the Left-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the protest site. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Saturday after her blood sugar level dropped to 46 mg/dL on the seventh day of the hunger strike. Meanwhile, Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Aameen continued their indefinite fast at the protest site.
Background of the Protest
The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system and has since drawn support from several political leaders, activists, and civil-society members. The agitation continues to press for Pradhan's resignation, with participants vowing to remain until their demands are met.
