CJP announces Parliament march after 23 days of protest; Wangchuk still on fast

Twenty-three days after the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched its protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over exam paper leaks, there has been no response from the Centre. The youth-led movement has now announced a march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, saying it wants to take its demands directly to Members of Parliament after failing to secure a meeting with the government.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is leading an indefinite hunger strike seeking Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, said the Parliament march remains on track despite his deteriorating health.

"I probably look a bit better today, even though it is the 12th day of my fast. Friends, I had mentioned that we would march to Parliament when the session begins on July 20th. Many people have said they will come, while others have asked if this is even possible," Wangchuk said on Thursday.

Also read: Opposition heavyweights, farmers rally around CJP protest: 'PM should find solution'

According to health updates shared by the party, Wangchuk is now 15 days into his fast. The bulletins claim he has lost around 7.5 kg since the hunger strike began, while his blood pressure has been recorded at 106/74. Wangchuk has said his hunger has "stabilised", although he admits he is growing weaker each day.

Health concerns

In another video message, Wangchuk acknowledged the physical toll of the protest while thanking supporters for standing by the movement.

"As my hunger strike concludes its 13th day, I don't feel as energetic as I did yesterday; I feel a bit tired. Well, ups and downs are part of the process. I wanted to thank you all for the support you've shown this movement; I'm receiving so many comments on social media. You've said such wonderful things," he said on Friday.

While the government has not responded to the protesters' demands, several Opposition leaders have visited the protest site. Those who have extended support include TMC MP Mahua Moitra, AAP MP Sanjay Singh, CPI(M) leaders John Brittas, MA Baby and Brinda Karat, and CPI leader D Raja.

Also read: NEET protest: Funding row overshadows CJP's demands as Wangchuk begins fast

CJP has also said its appeal is not limited to Opposition parties. The organisation has invited MPs from every political party, including the BJP, to visit the protest site and raise the issue during the upcoming Monsoon Session.

Rain challenge

Apart from political silence, protesters have also had to battle the weather. During heavy rainfall at Jantar Mantar, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was seen pleading with Delhi Police officials and touching their feet while requesting permission to erect tents to shelter fasting students. According to the organisers, the police have not responded to the request.

Despite growing public attention, Wangchuk has rejected attempts to portray him as a hero or a "modern Gandhi". In a video message, he said he is simply an ordinary citizen fulfilling his duty and urged people not to wait for a single individual to lead every movement.

Also read: How to keep leaks away? CJP launches diaper drive as NEET protest enters Day 4

He appealed to citizens to participate in whatever way they can, whether by joining the protest for a day or observing a fast in solidarity.

Core demands

The protesters continue to press two key demands: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide following examination irregularities.

With 23 days of protests, 15 days of Wangchuk's hunger strike and no official response from the Centre, all eyes are now on July 20, when the CJP plans to take its protest to Parliament.