The protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations continued on Sunday. The ‘coackroaches’ demand greater accountability from the Centre and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The agitation, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), entered its 24thday, while climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike reached its 18th day.
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike
According to the latest health updates shared by the organisers, Wangchuk has lost nearly eight kilograms since beginning his fast. While doctors say he remains mentally alert, his deteriorating physical condition has become a growing concern among supporters gathered at the protest site.
Alleges by CJP
The CJP has continued to accuse the government of failing to ensure a transparent and fair examination system, alleging that repeated paper leaks and examination irregularities have severely affected the futures of thousands of students. The protesters are demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and have called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They argue that repeated paper leaks and examination controversies have severely affected students' futures and eroded public confidence in the country's examination system.
Peaceful protest
In a major announcement, Wangchuk has called for a peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on July 20, the day the Monsoon Session of Parliament begins. Appealing to citizens from across the country to join the march peacefully, he said the aim is to urge Members of Parliament to raise the issue of examination reforms inside the House and press for greater accountability in the education system. In recent days, Wangchuk has urged people not to treat him as a hero but to become active citizens themselves. Through social media, he appealed to young people and concerned citizens to participate peacefully in the movement, stressing that lasting reforms require collective public participation rather than reliance on any one individual.
Support from Uddhav Thackrey
The movement has also begun receiving support from prominent political leaders. On Monday, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray extended his support to the protest, saying the issue concerns the future of the country's youth and should rise above political differences. He questioned why Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan could not be replaced if repeated examination controversies continued, urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other opposition parties to openly support the agitation, and announced that Shiv Sena (UBT) workers would organise similar demonstrations in Maharashtra. Thackeray also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, expressing concern over his deteriorating health while assuring him that the movement would continue to receive support.
Samyukta Kisan Morcha
Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), which has extended support to the agitation, is expected to send a delegation to the protest site. The farmers' body has expressed solidarity with students, stating that every candidate deserves a transparent, fair and credible examination process and that it is the government's responsibility to uphold the integrity of competitive exams.
Members of the Left-affiliated All India Students' Association (AISA) also continued their indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage at the protest venue. Several student leaders remain on fast, while one protester was recently hospitalised after his blood sugar level dropped significantly during the hunger strike.
The protest, which began on June 20, has gradually attracted support from students, activists, civil society groups and political leaders, with demonstrators demanding comprehensive reforms to restore public confidence in India's examination system.
