CJP Protest Day 11: Allegations of Police Restrictions as Activist Wangchuk's Health Worsens
The protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi entered its 11th day on Tuesday, with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleging heavy police deployment and restrictions on the entry of supporters to the protest site.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's health condition deteriorated, with his blood sugar levels dropping on the third day of his hunger strike at the venue. According to a post by Dipke on social media, Wangchuk's blood sugar level fell to 66 milligrams per decilitre, below the normal range.
Dipke claimed in a post on X that police were preventing people from entering the protest venue and that several core team members were being denied access. He also alleged that transport arrangements were being blocked to stop supporters from reaching Jantar Mantar.
"Heavy police deployment at Jantar Mantar. The police are not allowing people to enter, and many of our core team members are being denied entry. What are they planning to do?" he wrote.
Dipke also raised concerns about the Rajasthan Paramedical Council examination paper leak, accusing the government of repeatedly failing to conduct examinations properly. He used the phrase "double engine-double leak" in reference to the state and central governments led by the Bharatiya Janata Party.
CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that Wangchuk's condition must be taken seriously, warning that any adverse outcome would hold Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responsible.
On Monday, Wangchuk had said that the protest was not anti-national and urged authorities to respond with sensitivity rather than force, warning that public trust would erode otherwise. He reiterated his demand for accountability and reforms in the education system, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The protest also saw continued participation from six students associated with the All India Students' Association (AISA), who were on an indefinite hunger strike from a separate stage at the venue. They entered their second day of fasting on Monday.
The CJP protest began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the examination system, including the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET).