18 Days Without Food: Dipke Slams Government for Ignoring Sonam Wangchuk
Activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has completed the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, as concerns grow over his deteriorating health.
Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke criticised the Union government for failing to respond to the protest, describing its continued silence as insensitive and cruel. (The Times of India)
Why Is Sonam Wangchuk Fasting?
Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28, 2026, in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party’s campaign against alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks.
The protesters are demanding accountability in the education and examination system, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the handling of the controversy. (Reuters)
Dipke Questions Government’s Silence
Abhijeet Dipke said repeated efforts to draw the government’s attention had received no meaningful response.
He accused the authorities of ignoring the risks to Wangchuk’s life despite the activist’s prolonged fast and worsening condition. Dipke also raised questions about transparency, student welfare and responsibility for alleged failures in national examinations. (The Times of India)
Wangchuk Reported to Be ‘Very Weak’
A medical bulletin issued by the CJP described Wangchuk as very weak and said he was being kept under round-the-clock medical observation.
His weight was reported at 57.15 kg, after falling by another 400 grams within 24 hours. Reports indicate that he has lost more than eight kilograms since beginning the fast. (The Indian Express)
Supporters Urge Him to End the Fast
Opposition leaders, activists and public figures have appealed to Wangchuk to protect his health and withdraw from the indefinite fast.
More than 1,800 people reportedly joined an appeal asking him to end the protest, describing him as an important national voice whose life should not be put at further risk. (Navbharat Times)
Wangchuk, however, has continued the protest despite muscle loss, weakness and growing medical concerns.
Delhi High Court Seeks Government Response
The Delhi High Court has reportedly sought responses from the Union and Delhi governments on a petition requesting urgent medical intervention for Wangchuk.
The legal move reflects increasing concern that his prolonged fast could lead to serious health complications. (The Times of India)
Mass Hunger Strike Announced
The Cockroach Janta Party has announced a one-day mass hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on July 16 in solidarity with Wangchuk and the students supporting the campaign.
The organisers hope the expanded protest will increase public pressure on the government to respond to their demands. (The Times of India)
Protest Enters a Critical Stage
Wangchuk’s fast has transformed the campaign over examination irregularities into a broader debate about government accountability, youth frustration and the credibility of India’s testing system.
With his health weakening and no publicly announced breakthrough in negotiations, pressure is growing on both the authorities and protest organisers to find a resolution without further endangering his life.
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