Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday.

The move signals a determination to maintain political pressure on the government despite the removal of a key figure in the movement. By initiating this fast, Dipke aims to keep the agitation alive and ensure that planned demonstrations continue.

The hunger strike follows the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site. Wangchuk, who is 59 years old [3], was taken to a hospital after having been on a hunger strike for 20 days [2]. Dipke responded to Wangchuk's removal by launching his own fast to sustain the momentum of the protest.

Despite the change in leadership at the site, Dipke said that the planned march to Parliament will still take place on July 20, 2024 [1]. The march remains a central goal for the Cockroach Janta Party and its supporters as they seek to bring their grievances directly to the legislative center.

Dipke's action at Jantar Mantar is intended to bridge the gap created by Wangchuk's medical emergency. The protest site has become a focal point for those demanding specific policy changes, or recognition of regional issues—a struggle that Dipke intends to continue through his indefinite fast.

The organizers said that the removal of Wangchuk will not deter the movement. The commitment to the July 20 date serves as a deadline for the group to mobilize a larger crowd for the march to Parliament [1].

“Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday.”

The transition of the hunger strike from Sonam Wangchuk to Abhijeet Dipke suggests a strategic effort to prevent the movement from collapsing due to the health crisis of its primary figure. By maintaining the July 20 march date, the Cockroach Janta Party is attempting to transform a medical emergency into a catalyst for further mobilization, ensuring the protest retains visibility and political leverage.