Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk arrived at Jantar Mantar on June 6, 2024 [1], to support a mega-protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP).
The demonstration seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Protesters allege irregularities in recruitment tests and national examinations, including the NEET, CUET, and CBSE [2].
Wangchuk joined CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to voice support for the group's demands. During the event, Wangchuk said he would begin a hunger strike if any member of the Cockroach Janta Party is arrested [3]. This potential fast is planned to last 42 days [4].
"If not now, when" Wangchuk said [5].
The CJP has named three spokespersons to manage communications ahead of the protest [6]. The group expressed a willingness to face legal consequences for their activism.
"We are prepared to sacrifice freedom," Dipke said [7].
Wangchuk's involvement brings a high-profile ally to the CJP's cause. The activist has a history of using hunger strikes to draw attention to environmental and political issues. By tying his own well-being to the legal status of the CJP protesters, Wangchuk has increased the political stakes of the New Delhi gathering [2].
"I will launch a hunger strike if any member of the Cockroach Janta Party is arrested," Wangchuk said [3].
“I will launch a hunger strike if any member of the Cockroach Janta Party is arrested.”
The alignment between a globally recognized climate activist and a specific educational reform movement signals a broadening of dissent against the current administration's handling of national testing. By threatening a 42-day fast, Wangchuk is employing a known tactic to force a government response, transforming a localized protest into a potential public health and political crisis.
