To quickly move on, Sonam Wangchuk mentions the police crackdown on the protesters

Congress leader Pawan Khera meets activist Sonam Wangchuk. | Photo credit: SHASHI SHEKHAR KASHYAP

Activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Monday (July 20, 2026) that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike, saying that police action against protesters during the Sansad Chalo (CJP) march by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has prompted him to extend his fast until hospital leaders can meet MPs or he is allowed to do so.

Watch CJP protest in Delhi LIVE updates on 20 July

In a handwritten statement issued from Safdarjung Hospital, Mr Wangchuk said: “Seeing the brutality with which the peacefully protesting youth are being treated, I have decided to continue the fast until the youth leaders can meet the MPs at Sansad Bhawan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital.” “I hope that the government will resolve the responsibility of the Minister of Education before then,” he added.

Wangchuk said he was “moved and moved” by the way the protesters maintained peace despite the “provocation”.

“I appeal to the government and the police to resolve the issue by simply allowing the students to present their grievances to parliament today or tomorrow. I am sure the young protesters will remain calm tomorrow as they did today,” he said.

Gitanjali J Angmo searches for Sonam Wangchuk’s bag after a protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on July 20, 2026. | Photo credit: Shashi Shekhar Kashyap

Delhi Police prevented the CJP’s proposed march to Parliament, blocking roads around Jantar Mantar and detaining several protesters as thousands gathered despite heavy rain.

In the pictures | CJP protest march to parliament

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke and his supporters protested on July 20, 2026 at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities and NEET paper leak.

Cockroach Janta Party supporters during a parliamentary march in New Delhi on July 20, 2026.

Battling the rain, CJP supporter participates in anti-constitution protest.

A CJP protester gives instructions before marching from Jantar Mantar.

Security personnel were seen deployed in the wee hours at Jantar Mantar.

Cockroach Janta Party supporters during a parliamentary march in Delhi on July 20, 2026

Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) supporters raise slogans as they gather outside a protest march at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Monday, July 20, 2026.

Police and security personnel remove CJP supporters from a protest march near Jantar Mantar.

Cockroach Janta Party supporters during a parliamentary march in Delhi on July 20, 2026

The gates of Patel Chowk Delhi Metro were seen closed, in an attempt to disrupt the CJP’s march.

Actor Shabana Azmi at the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar.

Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) supporters rest at Jantar Mantar as they gather before a protest march in New Delhi, early Monday, July 20, 2026. Delhi Police are on high alert ahead of the Monsoon Parliament session and the CJP-proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 and July 20, 2026. Personnel are seen in Parliament and all around Jantaroktar staff is visible. other key locations.

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Earlier in the day, Mr Wangchuk said he would end his fast only if the government accepted responsibility for alleged failures in the education system or if political leaders assured him the issue would be raised during the monsoon session of parliament. However, following developments during the march, he announced that he would continue his fast.

Mr. Wangchuk has been in Safdarjung Hospital since July 18 after he was forcibly shifted there by the Delhi Police after 21 days of fasting. The activist’s supporters claimed he was being held in “illegal custody”, a claim denied by the authorities.

CJP demands accountability for alleged irregularities in entrance examinations and resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Published – 20 Jul 2026 20:05 IST