Delhi HC restores CJP's X handle, says Centre's concern over NEET chaos 'no longer relevant'

The Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered its 16th day on July 5, 2026, as climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk marked the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike. Wangchuk, who has lost approximately six kilograms since starting the fast, continues to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities. His health, according to a medical bulletin, shows stable readings: blood pressure at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, heart rate at 72 beats per minute, and blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. Doctors noted that his hydration is fair and he remains mentally alert, though his weight has dropped significantly to 60.95 kg. The protest, which began on June 20, centers on allegations of repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities that have affected students’ futures. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke highlighted the emotional toll of the issue, noting that the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa, who allegedly committed suicide due to the impact of a paper leak, visited the protest site on July 5. Thapa’s father, an Army veteran, joined the demonstration, appealing for justice and urging the government to prevent similar tragedies. The CJP has intensified its calls for accountability, releasing an open letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 4, questioning why the government had ignored the protest for 15 days. The letter emphasized that Wangchuk’s hunger strike was intended to apply moral pressure on authorities, given his longstanding dedication to education and the nation. The CJP also reiterated accusations that Delhi Police had assaulted students and thrown books related to prominent historical figures during attempts to establish a library at the protest site. Support for the protest has grown steadily, with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) planning to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. Earlier, the SKM had expressed solidarity with the students, asserting that every student deserves a transparent and fair examination system. Members of the Left-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA) also continued their indefinite hunger strike on a separate stage at the protest site. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to the Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on July 4 after her blood sugar level dropped to 46 mg/dL on the seventh day of her fast. Other AISA activists, including Neha, Manish, Hrishikesh, Deepak Kumar Verma, and Aameen, continued their indefinite strike alongside Wangchuk and others. Political backing for the protest has expanded, with AAP MP Sanjay Singh and CPI(M) MP John Brittas joining the demonstrators. Singh criticized the BJP government for ignoring the plight of students and questioned why BJP leaders had not visited the protest site. He warned that the opposition would raise the issue during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament and urged the government to find a resolution. Brittas, arriving from Kerala, described the agitation as a nationwide effort to safeguard the future of young people, accusing the government of insensitivity and irresponsibility. Wangchuk reiterated the protesters’ demand for accountability in education, stressing that peaceful demonstrations should not be forcibly disrupted. He welcomed recent developments in talks between the Centre and representatives of the Leh Apex Body and Kargil Democratic Alliance regarding Ladakh’s governance, urging the government to prioritize educational reforms. The CJP attributed progress in resolving disputes with the Ministry of Home Affairs to the pressure exerted by Wangchuk’s hunger strike. The protest has drawn widespread attention, with numerous civil society figures and activists lending their support. Among them are CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, CPI leader Brinda Karat, CPI general secretary D Raja, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, social activist Yogendra Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, and others. Their presence underscores the growing significance of the issue in public discourse. Meanwhile, Dipke faced scrutiny over footage circulating on social media showing him consuming food while Wangchuk remained on his fast. He clarified that the clips were taken before Wangchuk joined the protest and were shared out of context. He emphasized that the core team of the CJP had opted to stay away from the hunger strike to ensure the protest’s continuity. Despite the criticism, Dipke reaffirmed his commitment to the cause, stating that the government would bear responsibility if anything were to happen to Wangchuk.