Sonam Wangchuk’s conditions for ending hunger strike leave out Dharmendra Pradhan; CJP clarifies position | Today’s news
Activist Sonam Wangchuk said on Monday that she will end her indefinite hunger strike today if the government takes responsibility for the recent failures in the education system and paper leaks.
In a handwritten note shared on X on Monday morning, Sonam, who has been on a 23-day fast, outlined three conditions for ending it.
Besides holding the government accountable for the paper leaks, Sonam also said that he would end the fast if he and the CJP leaders made it to Parliament, where Members of Parliament assured them that they would look into the matter in the coming period Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Read also | Sonam Wangchuk lays down 3 conditions for quick end before CJP marches to Parliament
The third condition that Sonam mentions for ending the fast is that leaders of various parties visit this hospital and give him an assurance that they will raise issues related to education.
Wangchuk was forcibly removed from his protest site at Jantar Mantar on Saturday 18 July. After his removal, the founder of CJP Abhijeet Deepka started a hunger strike and demanded the resignation of the prime minister Narendra Modi.
The 59-year-old protested in support of an online satirical movement called The Janta cockroach party (CJP), which strives for education reforms. Protesters planned to march to parliament today.
No mention of Dharmendra Pradhan
Interestingly, Wangchuk does not mention the set of requirements Dharmendra Pradhanwhose resignation had been the primary demand of the CJP since the beginning of the protests in Amber Mantar on June 20.
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Sonam Wangchuk outlined three conditions for ending his hunger strike: government accountability for failings in the education system, assurances from MPs to raise the issue in parliament, and visits by party leaders to his hospital to provide similar assurances.
Sonam Wangchuk went on a hunger strike to protest the government’s failures in the education system, including the recent paper leaks, and to demand accountability from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP has been actively supporting Sonam Wangchuk’s protest by organizing marches and advocating for education reforms, including seeking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over issues affecting students.
The monsoon session of parliament is significant for the protest as it provides an opportunity for the CJP and supporters to call on lawmakers to address education accountability issues and support Wangchuk’s terms to end the hunger strike.
Yes, protesters should be worried as Delhi Police has imposed bans, restricting gatherings and hints at legal action against unauthorized protests during CJP’s march towards Parliament.
Sonam’s news came a day later. Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali Angmo, addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar on Sunday, he said, “If the political leaders meet Sonam at the hospital and assure him that they will raise the issue of accountability for education during the Parliament session, they will end their hunger strike tomorrow,” Angmo said.
The CJP clarifies: The requirements have not changed
But the Janta cockroach party specified that its demands from the government have not changed. “We want Dharmendra Pradhan to be held responsible for the death of 20+ students by suicide and relief ₹1 million each for their families. Our movement will not stop until we get justice,” the CJP said in a post on X on Monday.
“The peaceful march to Parliament as planned stands. Sonam Wangchuk also appealed to the people of India to make it a huge and resounding success,” the group said, adding that the group is also demanding that Wangchuk be released from the hospital where he is being forcibly held against his will.
“As announced earlier, Gitanjali J Angmo will join the peace march if Mr. Wangchuk is not allowed to come out,” the CJP said.
CJP March today police warns against action
Delhi Police has enforced bans under Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144) in the New Delhi district, particularly around Parliament House and India Gate when Parliament is in session.
The regulation prohibits the gathering of four or more people, unauthorized gatherings and the carrying of weapons. WITH Monsoon Session of Parliament on Monday, restrictions are strictly enforced to prevent protests and ensure smooth movement of lawmakers.
Police have also warned people that legal action will be taken against those who violate the orders.
The 2026 Monsoon Session of Parliament will begin today and is scheduled to end on August 13.
