Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has launched an indefinite hunger strike and demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi following the hospitalisation of activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital by the police after concerns over his deteriorating health.
Dipke announced that he would continue the protest in Wangchuk’s place, alleging that Delhi Police had forcibly removed the activist from the protest site. He accused the government of attempting to suppress a peaceful movement and vowed that the agitation would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
Dipke Announces Indefinite Fast
Soon after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital, Dipke declared the beginning of his own indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. He said the protest would continue until the movement’s demands were addressed and called upon supporters to remain united.
In a public statement, Dipke also appealed to citizens across the country to participate in the campaign and support the ongoing agitation for education reforms and accountability.
Demands PM Modi’s Resignation
Alongside continuing the protest, Dipke demanded the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government’s handling of the ongoing movement reflected a failure to address the concerns raised by students and protesters.
The CJP maintained that the movement would intensify in the coming days and reiterated its call for greater accountability over issues linked to education reforms and the treatment of peaceful demonstrators.
Police Shift Wangchuk to Hospital
Delhi Police shifted Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of his hunger strike. Authorities said the decision was taken following medical advice and in compliance with directions related to safeguarding his health.
Police stated that Wangchuk was suffering from severe dehydration and required continuous medical observation. Officials maintained that the move was intended to protect his health and was carried out after medical assessment.
CJP Alleges Forceful Removal
The Cockroach Janta Party disputed the police’s version of events, alleging that Wangchuk was taken away from the protest site against his wishes. The organisation also claimed that several protesters, including Dipke, were detained during the operation.
Dipke alleged that he was assaulted and briefly detained by Delhi Police while attempting to resist the removal of Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar. Delhi Police have not publicly confirmed those allegations.
‘Chalo Sansad’ March to Continue
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, the CJP announced that its planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 would proceed as scheduled.
Dipke said the movement would continue peacefully and urged supporters to participate in large numbers, stating that the hospitalisation of Wangchuk would not weaken the campaign.
Wangchuk Had Opposed Hospitalisation
Hours before being shifted to the hospital, a video shared by the CJP showed Wangchuk expressing his opposition to being hospitalised. He reportedly argued that fasting was a form of peaceful democratic protest and not a medical condition requiring forced intervention.
Following his admission, Wangchuk’s wife also questioned the necessity of the hospitalisation and sought greater transparency regarding his medical care.
Political Reactions Intensify
The hospitalisation of Wangchuk has triggered sharp political reactions, with opposition leaders criticising the government’s handling of the protest. Several leaders accused the authorities of acting against peaceful demonstrators, while the Centre has maintained that the intervention was necessary to safeguard Wangchuk’s health.
The developments have further intensified the ongoing debate surrounding the protest, which has drawn nationwide attention over the past three weeks.
Protest Enters a New Phase
With Sonam Wangchuk now under medical supervision, Abhijeet Dipke has assumed the leadership of the hunger strike, signalling a new phase in the CJP-led protest. His demand for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation and his decision to begin an indefinite fast have further heightened the political significance of the movement.
As preparations continue for the July 20 ‘Chalo Sansad’ march, attention remains focused on Wangchuk’s health, the government’s response, and the future course of one of the country’s most closely watched protest movements.