CJP begins night vigil at Jantar Mantar ahead of Parliament march

New Delhi, July 19: Supporters of the party founded by Abhijeet Dipke, known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), gathered at Jantar Mantar on Sunday evening in response to a call for a night vigil. The mobilisation comes ahead of a planned march to Parliament, termed 'Chalo Sansad', scheduled for Monday, July 20.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das claimed on social media that nearly 20,000 people were present at and around Jantar Mantar before the scheduled mobilisation. The party has been protesting over alleged paper leaks and demanding education accountability. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over the same issue, was taken into police custody early Saturday and is currently at Safdarjung Hospital, where his strike continues.

Gitanjali J. Angmo, Wangchuk's wife, announced at the protest site that her husband would end his hunger strike on Monday if political leaders meet him at the hospital and assure him that education accountability will be the focus of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. She also conveyed Wangchuk's appeal for a peaceful and disciplined march.

Several political leaders and public figures visited the protest site, including actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj, Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, and AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh and Gopal Rai. Speaking to supporters, Bharadwaj said July 20 will be a historic day, while Rai condemned Wangchuk's removal and urged a peaceful protest.

In a video message, Dipke urged supporters to stay overnight, stating their presence is essential to ensure the march proceeds peacefully. He emphasised that the protest and march would be peaceful and called on participants to follow rules and guidelines.

The CJP has expressed apprehension over possible police action ahead of the march. The party has been sharing images and videos on social media showing the protest site packed with supporters, claiming arrivals from various parts of the country.