On the tenth day of Sonam Vanchuk's indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, a video featuring Abhijit Dipke, founder of Cockeruch Janata Pati (CJP), went viral on social media. In the recording, he was seen eating kachori, bread donuts, and noodles, which sparked a wave of trolling.
Dipke's Reaction and Explanations
Many users questioned why Abhijit Dipke and his associates did not join the fast while Vanchuk was undertaking it. In response to the criticism, Dipke provided clarifications, stating that the viral video was presented out of context, and that the attempt to draw attention to it is aimed at distracting from the main issue.
During a special interview with the platform Delhi Tak from India Today Digital, Dipke emphasized that the circulated clips were misrepresented. He clarified that the video showing him eating noodles with bread donuts was filmed during a period when Sonam Vanchuk had not yet joined the fast. At that time, Vanchuk was in Europe attending an environmental conference and only joined the protest about ten days later. According to Dipke, the video is intentionally cut and spread to weaken the student movement without knowing the whole truth.
Strategy and Personal Circumstances
When asked why only one person was fasting on the scene, Abhijit Dipke referred to diplomatic strategy. He explained that Vanchuk made the decision, and for the smooth functioning of the movement, the entire core team needs to remain operational. He added that if everyone started fasting, who would manage the thousands of students arriving at Jantar Mantar, and who would handle daily minor issues with the police?
Furthermore, Dipke mentioned his personal issue—a severe migraine, which makes observing a fast extremely difficult for him. He also expressed great concern over Vanchuk's deteriorating health, noting that his weight has dropped to five kilograms in recent days. Although Dipke asked Vanchuk to end the fast, he remains firm in his stance, stating that the fast will continue until his demands are met.
Protest Demands
The protest taking place at Jantar Mantar is primarily directed against the leakage of examination materials in the NEET entrance exams and against unemployment. The resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is demanded. The movement, called Cockeruch Janata Pati, started on social media and has now taken to the streets. This protest has received support from several opposition leaders, including Sanjay Singh and Mahua Moitra. However, the central government has not made any official statements regarding these demands so far.
