Sonam Wangchuk to continue fast, cites police action against protesters
Mt. Wangchuk said he is "touched and moved" by the manner in which the protesters have maintained peace despite "provocation"
Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk. | Photo Credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP
Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Monday (July 20, 2026) that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike, saying the police action against protesters during the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) "Sansad Chalo" march has prompted him to extend the fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet parliamentarians or he is permitted to do so from the hospital.
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In a handwritten statement issued from the Safdarjung Hospital, Mr. Wangchuk said, "Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at the Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital." "Hopefully, the government will fix accountability for the Education Minister before that," he added.
Mt. Wangchuk said he is "touched and moved" by the manner in which the protesters have maintained peace despite "provocation".
"I appeal to the government and the police force to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances before Parliament today or tomorrow. I am sure the young protesters will maintain peace tomorrow as they did today," he said.
Gitanjali J Angmo looks for Sonam Wangchuk bag after the protest seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. | Photo Credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap
The Delhi Police prevented the CJP's proposed march to Parliament, barricading roads around Jantar Mantar and detaining several protesters as thousands gathered despite heavy rain.
In Pictures | CJP protest march to Parliament
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and supporters protest seeking resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.
Braving the rains, a CJP supporter takes part in the protest with the Constitution.
A CJP protestor gives instructions ahead of the march from Jantar Mantar.
Security personnel seen deployed in the early hours at Jantar Mantar.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters raise slogans as they gather ahead of a protest march, at the Jantar Mantar, in New Delhi, early Monday, July 20, 2026.
Police and security personnel remove CJP supporters ahead of a protest march, near the Jantar Mantar.
Supporters of the Cockroach Janta party during the Parliament March in New Delhi on July 20, 2026
Patel Chowk Delhi Metro gates seen closed, in a bid to dussuade the CJP march.
Actor Shabana Azmi at the CJP protest in Jantar Mantar.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters rest at the Jantar Mantar, as they gather ahead of a protest march, in New Delhi, early Monday, July 20, 2026. Delhi Police is on high alert ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and CJP's proposed "Chalo Sansad" march on July 20, 2026, with heavy deployment of personnel visible at every nook and corner around Jantar Mantar, Parliament and other key locations.
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Earlier in the day, Mr. Wangchuk had said he would end his fast only if the government accepts accountability for alleged failures in the education system or if political leaders assure him that the issue would be raised during the Monsoon session of Parliament. However, following the developments during the march, he announced that he would continue the fast.
Mr. Wangchuk has been at the Safdarjung Hospital since July 18 after he was forcibly shifted there by the Delhi Police following 21 days of fasting. The supporters of the activist have alleged that he is being kept under "illegal detention", a charge rejected by authorities.
Police outnumbered, taken aback by number of protesters who reached Parliament’s doorstep
The CJP is demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Published - July 20, 2026 08:05 pm IST
Source: The Hindu — Home
