Resignation has emerged as the central demand of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) following the police action that shifted climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after 21 days of an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. In a significant escalation of the ongoing protest, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that the movement would no longer be limited to seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but would now also demand the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The announcement came shortly after Delhi Police removed Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site early on Saturday, citing deteriorating health conditions and compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Dipke also declared that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike, signalling that the protest would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
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Resignation Demand Expands Beyond Education Minister
Since the protest began, the primary demand centred on the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and broader concerns regarding examination reforms in India. Protesters argued that the alleged irregularities had undermined the credibility of one of the country’s most important entrance examinations and demanded accountability at the highest level of the education system.
However, following the removal of Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar, CJP announced that the scope of its campaign had widened considerably.
Addressing supporters after the police action, Abhijeet Dipke stated that the organisation would now seek the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming that the handling of the protest and the government’s response warranted greater political accountability.
The expanded resignation demand marks a major shift in the movement’s political messaging and is expected to intensify public and political debate in the coming days.
Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After Health Deteriorated
The latest developments followed growing concerns over Sonam Wangchuk’s physical condition after more than three weeks without food.
Delhi Police removed the activist from Jantar Mantar early Saturday morning and shifted him to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital. Officials said the decision was taken after medical experts warned that his health had reached a critical stage.
Police stated that the transfer was carried out in accordance with orders issued by the Delhi High Court and based on expert medical advice recommending immediate treatment.
Medical reports over recent days had indicated that Wangchuk had lost more than eight kilograms during the fast, while doctors warned of possible organ failure if the hunger strike continued.
Hospital officials later confirmed that he remained conscious and medically stable after being admitted.
High Court Had Directed Authorities to Protect Wangchuk’s Life
The decision to move Sonam Wangchuk to the hospital came shortly after the Delhi High Court expressed concern over his deteriorating health.
During earlier proceedings, the court observed that the life of every citizen was valuable and instructed authorities to conduct daily clinical examinations of the activist.
The court also directed the Centre and relevant authorities to ensure that every necessary medical intervention was undertaken to safeguard his health.
Following these directions, police maintained that shifting Wangchuk to hospital became unavoidable after doctors advised immediate treatment.
Officials emphasised that the action was taken solely on medical grounds and within the framework of judicial directions.
Abhijeet Dipke Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike
Even as Sonam Wangchuk was admitted to hospital, the protest movement continued.
Abhijeet Dipke announced that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike in order to carry forward the campaign.
The announcement indicates that the movement intends to maintain pressure on the government despite the removal of its most prominent face from the protest site.
Dipke said the protest would continue peacefully while expanding its demands and mobilisation efforts in the coming days.
His decision ensures that the issue remains active even as Wangchuk undergoes medical treatment.
Four Protesters Continue Their Fast
Apart from Dipke’s announcement, four other protesters have continued their hunger strike at Jantar Mantar.
Organisers stated that the movement remains committed to pressing for education reforms and political accountability despite police intervention.
The continuation of the fast reflects the organisers’ determination to keep public attention focused on the issues raised during the protest.
Supporters have also reiterated their intention to continue peaceful demonstrations while seeking wider public participation.
Protest Began Over Alleged NEET Paper Leak
The ongoing agitation was launched by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), an online satirical movement advocating education reforms.
Its initial objective was to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak.
According to the organisers, the controversy highlighted deeper structural concerns regarding examination security, transparency and accountability within India’s education system.
Sonam Wangchuk joined the campaign in solidarity with students and began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28, making the demand for resignation a central feature of the protest.
Throughout the demonstration, organisers maintained that meaningful reforms required political accountability at the highest levels.
Police Appeal for Peaceful Conduct
Following Wangchuk’s removal, Delhi Police appealed to protesters to maintain peace and cooperate with authorities.
Officials stated that while some demonstrators attempted to obstruct the transfer operation, the situation remained under control and officers exercised maximum restraint.
Police also requested protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar peacefully after the hospitalisation of the activist.
Authorities reiterated that the decision to intervene had been driven by medical necessity rather than any attempt to suppress peaceful protest.
Opposition Leaders Had Visited Wangchuk
During the final days of Sonam Wangchuk’s fast, several opposition leaders visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with the activist.
Among those who met him were Congress leader Pawan Khera, Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal.
While extending support for the issues raised during the protest, many of them also appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast in view of his rapidly deteriorating health.
These visits brought additional political attention to the ongoing demonstration.
Planned Parliament March Remains on Schedule
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, organisers have indicated that preparations for the planned march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, will continue.
The organisers have appealed to political parties, student groups and civil society organisations to participate in the march.
Whether the hospitalisation of Wangchuk alters the scale of participation remains to be seen, but organisers insist that the movement’s objectives remain unchanged.
The protest leadership has also indicated that further programmes will be announced depending on future developments.
Political Significance of the Expanded Resignation Demand
The decision by CJP to broaden its resignation demand from the Education Minister to the Prime Minister represents a significant political development within the ongoing protest.
Movements often evolve as events unfold, particularly when unexpected developments such as medical emergencies or police intervention become central to public discussion.
By announcing an indefinite hunger strike and expanding its demands, the organisers have sought to maintain momentum and draw greater national attention to their campaign.
With Sonam Wangchuk receiving treatment under medical supervision, Abhijeet Dipke’s new hunger strike, the continued fast by four protesters, and the planned Parliament march, the demand for resignation is likely to remain at the centre of political discussions surrounding the ongoing protest in the days ahead.
