Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has addressed public criticism regarding a viral video that depicts him eating bread pakodas, noodles, and kachori at the Jantar Mantar protest site. The video circulated as activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike, raising concerns about his deteriorating health.
Speaking to Delhi Tak, Dipke dismissed the video as a "childish attempt to divert attention from the real issue." He clarified that the widely shared clip predates Wangchuk's fast, stating, "That video is from before Sonam sir's hunger strike began. It has been clipped and circulated out of context. Sonam sir joined us eight or ten days later because he was in Europe for a climate summit. The video is from before he arrived."
Wangchuk's Fast and Deteriorating Health
Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite fast, which began on June 20, is a protest against alleged irregularities in the examination system, notably the NEET-UG 2026, and demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk joined the CJP-led agitation after it commenced as a satirical online movement in May.
Concerns for Wangchuk's health have intensified, particularly during the 10th and 11th days of his fast. According to a PTI report cited by the CJP, Dipke stated that Wangchuk had lost 5 kg. Doctors later confirmed he had lost over 7 kilograms, with his weight dropping to 59.40 kg. A health bulletin noted his blood pressure at 103/68 mm Hg (sitting) and 111/73 mm Hg (lying down), heart rate at 74 bpm, blood glucose at 75 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 98 percent. Despite these metrics, his hydration was fair, and he remained mentally alert.
Protest Strategy and Demands
Dipke explained that Wangchuk himself decided that only he would undertake the fast, while the core organizing team would remain free to manage the protest. "Sonam sir himself told us that the core team should not go on hunger strike because someone has to manage the thousands of people coming here... That is why the core team is not on hunger strike," Dipke stated.
Despite his concerns for Wangchuk's health, Dipke noted that the activist remains resolute. "Sonam sir says that until action is taken against Dharmendra Pradhan, he will continue his fast. Our strategy is to remain at Jantar Mantar," Dipke added. The CJP's primary demand remains Pradhan's removal specifically from the Education Ministry, not merely a cabinet reshuffle.