Abhijeet Dipke, founding president of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on June 27, 2026 [3].

The protest escalates a movement focused on exam-irregularity grievances and recent student deaths. It signals a deepening confrontation between the CJP and the government as the party seeks to maintain public pressure despite the removal of key figures from the protest site.

Dipke launched the fast after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar and subsequently hospitalized [1]. The move serves as a response to an alleged police crackdown and the health crisis facing Wangchuk [1]. While the primary focus remains on student welfare and exam reforms, Dipke said the movement would expand its scope.

"We will also take up election issues," Dipke said [5].

The demonstration has already seen significant duration, with reports indicating the protest entered its 10th day shortly after the fast began [2]. Despite the hospitalization of Wangchuk, CJP leadership and supporters have reaffirmed their commitment to their scheduled activities, ensuring the momentum of the movement does not stall.

Dipke has urged his supporters to keep the protest alive and maintain their presence at the site. He confirmed that the planned "Chalo Sansad" march, intended to bring protesters to the parliament, remains on the calendar [4].

"The march on July 20 will go ahead as planned," Dipke said [4].

Supporters have gathered at Jantar Mantar to voice their concerns over the government's handling of student protests. The party continues to demand accountability for the deaths of students and a systemic overhaul of the examination process to prevent further irregularities [1].

"I'm starting an indefinite hunger strike," Dipke said [1].

“"I'm starting an indefinite hunger strike."”

The transition of leadership in the fast from Sonam Wangchuk to Abhijeet Dipke indicates a strategic effort by the Cockroach Janata Party to prevent the movement from collapsing due to the physical incapacitation of its allies. By linking exam irregularities with broader election issues and maintaining the July 20 march, the CJP is attempting to transform a specific grievance into a wider political challenge to the current administration.