Abhijeet Dipke Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised

New Delhi, July 18: Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday announced an indefinite hunger strike following the hospitalisation of climate activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk, whose health reportedly worsened after more than three weeks of fasting.

Dipke said the protest movement would continue despite Wangchuk being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital, adding that the organisation’s proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 would proceed as scheduled. The march is planned to coincide with the opening of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.

The development has triggered conflicting claims from the organisers and the authorities. While the Delhi Police stated that Wangchuk was taken to the hospital in compliance with directions of the Delhi High Court and on medical advice due to his deteriorating condition, CJP members alleged that police used force while removing protesters from the demonstration site at Jantar Mantar.

Earlier in the day, Dipke also claimed that he had been detained and assaulted during the protest. However, Delhi Police rejected the allegation, maintaining that officials acted with restraint while ensuring compliance with court directions and facilitating Wangchuk’s medical treatment.

According to Safdarjung Hospital, Wangchuk was admitted because of weakness caused by prolonged fasting and dehydration. Doctors said his condition is currently stable but requires continuous medical monitoring and treatment.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, appealed to hospital authorities not to administer any oral or intravenous treatment without the consent of the family and the medical team that had been supervising his health during the hunger strike.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has been led by Wangchuk and CJP supporters, who are demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Organisers have reiterated that their demonstrations will remain peaceful as preparations continue for the Parliament march.