Recently, Congress sent an appeal to activist Sonam Vanchuk, who is on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of the Education Minister of the Dharamendra Pradhan Union. The party called on Vanchuk to end his indefinite post while assuring him that they would continue to push for the minister's departure.
This appeal was the first official response from Congress to Vanchuk's hunger strike and occurred on the nineteenth day of his protest. K. S. Venugopal, the General Secretary of Congress for Organization, posted a message on X, noting that Shri Sonam Vanchuk has been fasting for 19 days, demanding the resignation of the Union's Education Minister. He emphasized that the Indian National Congress has been making this same demand for over a month and a half.
In his statement, Venugopal expressed solidarity with Vanchuk's sentiments, particularly regarding the lack of accountability in the Modi government, specifically due to the collapse of the examination system. He added that, given Vanchuk's health condition, the party urges him to end the hunger strike, as his issues are also those of other opposition parties. However, Congress promises to continue opposing the Modi government and insisting on the resignation of the Education Minister.
Venugopal's appeal came amid calls from some circles for the Congress Member of Parliament and opposition leader in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, to join Vanchuk at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. This is where the activist is conducting a hunger strike as part of an indefinite sit-in protest organized by the online satirical platform Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The goal of the protest is to demand accountability regarding the leak of NEET examination materials and other issues.
In recent days, several opposition leaders, actors, and prominent citizens have also urged Vanchuk to end his fast, advising him to preserve his health for a 'longer battle ahead'. The environmentalist and educator from Ladakh has lost over 9 kg since starting the hunger strike on June 28. The CJP protest began on June 21. Congress, led by Rahul Gandhi, is conducting its own program of engagement with students, demanding the resignation of Pradhan and accountability on educational matters. CJP announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, which coincides with the start of the monsoon season session.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has announced a one-day mass hunger strike on July 16th in solidarity with Sonam Vanchuk. This step is taken against the backdrop of Vanchuk's ongoing prolonged fast, during which he protests the leak of examination materials and irregularities in the conduct of exams.
As Vanchuk's fast reached its eighteenth day, his health condition deteriorated. Abhijit Dipke, founder of CJP, reported that the activist is losing muscle mass and experiencing 'unbearable pain,' noting a weight loss of 8.5 kg since the start of the protest.
The Cockroach Janata Party has been holding protests at Janthar Mantar for 25 days regarding issues related to NEET. As part of its protest, the party presented a five-point plan for exam reform and stated that support for its campaign is growing among various political parties.
Earlier that same day, a petition was filed in the Delhi High Court demanding the forced feeding of activist Sonam Vanchuk and his transfer to a government hospital. According to the petition, Vanchuk's condition had significantly worsened, and there was a risk of his death within two days if the fast continued. Immediate judicial intervention was strongly urged as saving his life was paramount.
The petition argued that the authorities should transfer Vanchuk to a state medical facility and, if necessary, provide medically controlled liquid nutrition containing essential vitamins and minerals to prevent further deterioration of his condition. It was emphasized that such intervention, even if carried out against his will, was necessary to preserve his life. The document stated: 'A simple thing to do is to take him to a government hospital and forcibly feed him the necessary nutrients, vitamins, and minerals in the form of a liquid diet that the human body needs to survive.'
Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, sharply criticized the Central government on Wednesday for its silence while Sonam Vanchuk continues his indefinite fast. The fast is aimed at alleged irregularities in examinations and the leakage of NEET materials, and today marks its eighteenth day.
In a post on the social media platform X, Dipke stated that the government has offered no response to an individual who has put his life at risk in the search for justice for students who have committed suicide. He added that the government is not only unaccountable but also cruel.
Dipke also addressed critics, insisting that instead of questioning why opposition leaders have not supported the CJP, people should focus on truly important issues. He emphasized that instead of questions about CJP support or why CJP team members are not fasting with Sonam, one should ask meaningful questions.
He highlighted why the Prime Minister refuses to engage in dialogue and why the Education Minister remains unaccountable. According to Dipke, these are the questions that require answers, not distractions that help those in power evade accountability.
This statement came a day after several opposition leaders urged Vanchuk to end his indefinite fast at Jantark Mantar in Delhi. These leaders expressed concern over Vanchuk's deteriorating health but simultaneously affirmed their support for the protest related to alleged irregularities in NEET and other exams.
Chairman Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party strongly requested Vanchuk to stop the fast, stating that his life is too valuable to risk in an attempt to convince the BJP-led government. Akhilesh also contacted Vanchuk by phone to inquire about his health and expressed open support for his party's protest. National Coordinator Arvind Kejriwal of the Aam Aadmi Party also called on Vanchuk to end the fast, while promising support for the protest.
Vanchuk joined the CJP-led demonstration at Jantark Mantar on June 28 and has been on an indefinite fast since then. The organization announced a march to Parliament scheduled for July 20. According to organizers, Vanchuk has lost 8.5 kg since the start of the fast on June 28, as reported by PTI.
Abidjit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party, reported on Saturday that Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for six days demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has lost over five kilograms.
In a video address, Dipke stated that Wangchuk underwent a medical examination which showed a further decrease in his blood pressure and blood sugar levels.
Dipke appealed to the government to take action against Dharmendra Pradhan, adding that Sonam Wangchuk announced he would continue the hunger strike until the government takes action against this minister.
Furthermore, Dipke urged citizens to visit Janthar Mantar to support Wangchuk. He emphasized that even if people cannot do much, they can show solidarity with Sonam Sar, as he is risking his life for students, and the least they can do is be with him at Janthar Mantar.
The protest reached its fourteenth day after receiving support from several political leaders and civil society representatives last week. Those who supported it included CPI(M) General Secretary M A Baby, senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI General Secretary D Raja, CPI(ML) Liberation General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, social activist Yogendra Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, CPI leader Annie Raja, transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI activist Nikhil Dey, and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose.
The CJP action began on June 20 due to alleged irregularities in the examination system, including NEET. Protesters continue to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Dipke also noted that this campaign will raise other issues related to accountability, including electoral matters such as Special Intensive Review (SIR) of electoral lists.
It is also worth noting that six students associated with the left-leaning All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike from a separate tribune at the protest site.
