New Delhi: Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday announced the start of an indefinite hunger strike, hours after activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital. Dipke asserted that the party’s planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 would continue despite the latest developments.
Addressing supporters, Dipke alleged that Delhi Police forcibly took Wangchuk away from the protest site early in the morning while he was still observing his fast. He claimed the activist, who had not consumed food for nearly three weeks, was dragged away without the consent of those present at the demonstration.
Dipke further alleged that he was assaulted by police personnel while heading towards Jantar Mantar after receiving information about Wangchuk’s removal. He strongly criticised the action, accusing the authorities of attempting to suppress what he described as a peaceful protest.
Speaking to supporters, Dipke said he had decided to continue the agitation by launching his own indefinite fast. He maintained that the movement would not be called off and urged people to participate in the scheduled Parliament march on July 20.
The Cockroach Janata Party has been leading protests over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, a judicial probe into the examination process and broader reforms in the country’s competitive examination system.
While Wangchuk is currently undergoing treatment at Safdarjung Hospital, Dipke said the campaign would continue until its demands are addressed. Authorities have not responded in detail to the allegations made by the activist, maintaining earlier that Wangchuk was shifted to hospital following medical advice due to concerns over his health.
The situation at Jantar Mantar remains tense, with supporters continuing to gather as the protest enters a new phase under Dipke’s leadership.
