Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has begun an indefinite hunger strike, following the Delhi police’s decision to move activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital. Dipke made the announcement on Saturday, July 18, 2026, in a post on X, stating, ‘I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now.’
The development comes after the New Delhi DCP’s office stated that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital for ‘essential medical care’ as per the orders of the Delhi High Court and on expert medical advice due to his deteriorating health condition. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for the past 21 days, demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG exam paper leak controversy.
Dipke alleged that he was beaten up and detained by Delhi Police during a crackdown on protesters at Jantar Mantar. The police have appealed to protesters to peacefully vacate the site. Meanwhile, three students from the CPI(ML) Liberation’s All India Students’ Association (AISA) remain at Jantar Mantar and will continue their fast for the 21st day.
In a recent interview, Dipke framed the detention as proof that the government is not addressing the paper-leak crisis but trying to silence those protesting it. He also stated that the party has broadened its demand from Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation to seeking Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation, citing the government’s response to the protest.
The removal of Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar sparked protests by supporters and criticism from several Opposition leaders, who accused the Centre of suppressing a peaceful demonstration. Delhi Police maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to hospital solely on medical grounds and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions.
Dipke has also announced that he will not return to the protest stage until Wangchuk is released and has confirmed that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike after Wangchuk’s return. Despite uncertainty over official permission, Dipke insisted that the proposed July 20 march to Parliament will proceed.
