Gitanjali Angmo is leading the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament in Delhi on Monday [1].
The demonstration marks a critical escalation in the CJP's efforts to secure specific demands from the government. Angmo is stepping in to represent her husband, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who remains hospitalized while continuing his fast [2].
Angmo serves as the founding CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh [1]. Her leadership of the march signals a transition in the protest's public face as Wangchuk's health remains a primary concern. "I will represent him," Angmo said [2].
The march began at Jantar Mantar and is headed toward the Parliament building [3]. The timing coincides with the first day of the Monsoon Session, intended to maximize visibility among lawmakers [3]. Delhi Police have tightened security along the route to manage the crowd [3].
Organizers estimated that 10,000 protesters would join the movement [3]. The scale of the gathering reflects the growing regional tension surrounding the CJP's objectives. CJP spokesperson Vijeta Dahiya said the group expected to leave Jantar Mantar for Parliament around 9 a.m. on Monday [4].
Despite the tension of the march, the CJP has indicated a willingness to engage in diplomacy. A CJP spokesperson said, "We are willing to talk to the government" [3]. This openness to dialogue persists even as the party maintains its presence in the capital to pressure officials during the legislative session.
“"I will represent him."”
The transition of leadership from Sonam Wangchuk to Gitanjali Angmo allows the Cockroach Janata Party to maintain momentum without risking the activist's life during his hunger strike. By timing the march to coincide with the Monsoon Session, the group is attempting to force their regional demands into the national legislative conversation, shifting the protest from a personal act of endurance to a structured political movement.
