On day 19 of his hunger strike, climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk has lost nearly 9kg and can barely speak, whispering, 'I'm sorry, but I'm unable to speak.' Propped against pillows at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, he is the figurehead of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which demands education minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation and reform of India's education system.
Health deteriorates as doctors monitor Wangchuk
Doctors warn that Wangchuk's body is in severe starvation, breaking down fat and muscle, causing extreme weakness and electrolyte imbalance. On Thursday, an Indian court ordered authorities to monitor his health. Two government-appointed doctors and volunteer medics check his vitals throughout the day. Physiotherapists massage his aching joints, and he cannot walk 30 metres to the bathroom without support.
Origin of the Cockroach Janta Party
The CJP was founded on 16 May by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke after the chief justice of India called unemployed youths 'cockroaches'. The movement gained traction following a leaked medical college exam that devastated 2 million students, with a dozen reportedly committing suicide. Since 6 June, supporters have camped at Jantar Mantar, including students, seniors, and academics angry at a system forcing 10-14 hour study days with a single three-hour test determining their future.
Government silence fuels frustration
No official from Narendra Modi's government has engaged with protesters. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka asked, 'Why won't they talk to us? Don't they know they are servants of this country?' Opposition politician Anish Gawande lamented, 'Ministers are sitting 100 metres away and ignoring these voices.' Pradhan has refused media questions.
Wangchuk's history of activism
Wangchuk, from Ladakh, was arrested last year for inciting anti-government protests, jailed 170 days, then freed without charges. Inspired by him, several others at Jantar Mantar are also on hunger strike; one has been hospitalised. Atul Yadav, 27, said, 'How can this government ignore honest young boys and girls? I had to come to support Sonam sir.'
Mounting concern and calls to end fast
As temperatures exceed 37°C, organisers fall ill and rotate home to recover. Wangchuk refuses more than one fan, saying 'everyone else is suffering from the heat, too.' Congress MP Shashi Tharoor posted that Wangchuk has done enough to 'awaken the conscience of the nation.' Over 1,800 prominent figures released a letter saying it's pointless to continue given 'the government does not have a heart or a conscience.' If Wangchuk becomes critically ill, the government may hospitalise and force-feed him.
Crowds rally at Jantar Mantar
By 9pm Wednesday, people still poured through barricades to see Wangchuk. He whispered, 'Come for the rally on Monday. Come to show your support.' The CJP has called a march on parliament on the first day of the new session.
