NEET protest: Funding row overshadows CJP's demands as Wangchuk begins fast
As Sonam Wangchuk starts an indefinite hunger strike, political focus shifts from the NEET paper leak and accountability to questions over who is funding the Cockroach Janta Party
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar has entered its ninth day as climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike. The protesters continue to demand accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. However, the political debate has increasingly centred on allegations about the movement's funding rather than its demands.
According to the protest organisers, the Centre has not responded to their demands or to Wangchuk's decision to go on an indefinite fast.
In a statement at the protest site, Wangchuk said, "I have been compelled by the government to undertake this hunger strike as none of our demands have been fulfilled."
Protest continues
The CJP has been camped at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak and calling for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.
The Centre has remained silent on the protesters' key demands, even after Wangchuk began his fast.
Also Read: How right-wing groups are trying to crush Cockroach Janta Party
Meanwhile, the political conversation has increasingly focused on who is backing and funding the movement instead of its stated objectives.
Questions about funding
From the early days of the protest, BJP leaders questioned the origins of the movement and its support base.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju had suggested that some social media support was coming from Pakistan and linked it to billionaire George Soros, without naming the CJP directly.
Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar allegedly claimed that 49 per cent of the CJP's followers were from Pakistan and only 9 per cent were from India (apparently alleging that the remaining belonged to other nationalities).
Also Read: Cockroach Janta Party linked to AAP? Founder Abhijeet Dipke’s past ties raise questions
The president of BJP's Kerala unit Rajeev Chandrasekhar described the campaign as a "classic cross-border influence operation" allegedly designed to destabilise India.
Social media users also highlighted that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke and some of the movement's spokespersons had previously worked with the Aam Aadmi Party, while others alleged that the movement was backed by foreign funding.
Dipke later shared a screen recording claiming that more than 94 per cent of the people engaging with the movement were from India.
CJP's response
The CJP has denied receiving financial backing from any political party or organisation. According to the movement's website, it is "sponsored by no one, funded by nothing".
The website states that the organisation is run by five people — one founder, three spokespersons, and a media coordinator — and describes itself as a leaderless movement.
Also Read: CJP alleges Delhi police cut water supply after Wangchuk joins Jantar Mantar protest
Dipke also said supporters had offered him cash donations, including Rs 50,000, but that he refused to accept the money. Instead, he urged supporters to bring essentials such as food and drinking water.
The CJP claims that the protest site has been sustained through crowdsourced meals, and that drinking water and other supplies are brought by supporters.
Government scrutiny
On June 24, Dipke was summoned to appear before an inter-ministerial committee at the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) regarding the blocking of the CJP's X accounts.
The CJP described the move as a fresh escalation against the movement.
Also Read: CJP: Wangchuk calls himself 'honorary cockroach', urges govt to hear voices of youth
As the protest enters its ninth day, the questions surrounding the CJP's funding continue to dominate the political discourse, while the protesters' original demands regarding the alleged NEET paper leak and the resignation of the Union Education Minister remain unanswered.
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