The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities entered its 16th day on Sunday, while climate activist Sonam Wangchuk completed the eighth day of his indefinite hunger strike after losing around six kilograms.
According to a medical bulletin issued by doctors monitoring Wangchuk's health, his blood pressure was recorded at 112/70 mm Hg in the lying-down position, heart rate at 72 beats per minute and blood sugar at 67 mg/dL. The bulletin said his hydration level remained fair, he was mentally alert, and his weight had fallen to 60.95 kg since the fast began.
The CJP reiterated its demand for Pradhan's resignation, alleging that repeated examination irregularities and paper leaks had severely affected students and their families.
In a post on X, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the parents of NEET aspirant Riya Kumari Thapa, whom the party claims died after the alleged examination paper leak shattered her aspirations, visited the protest site on Sunday.
According to Dipke, Thapa's father, an Army veteran, joined the agitation and appealed to the Centre to ensure that no other family had to endure a similar tragedy.
Also read: Sonam sir has lost 5 kg: Dipke asks how long PM will wait to act
In a separate statement, the CJP said it stood with the family in their demand for accountability and justice.
The protest comes against the backdrop of the cancellation of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) held on May 3 following allegations of a paper leak. A re-test was subsequently conducted on June 21.
Meanwhile, the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, which had earlier announced support for the agitation, is now scheduled to send a delegation to Jantar Mantar on July 7. The farmers' body said students were entitled to a transparent, fair and credible examination system and that ensuring accountability was the government's responsibility.
Members of the All India Students' Association also continued their indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage at the protest site.
On Saturday, Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union joint secretary Danish Ali was admitted to hospital after her blood sugar level dropped to 46 mg/dL during the hunger strike. Other student protesters continued their fast on Sunday.
The agitation, which began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the country's examination system, has drawn support from student groups, activists, farmers' organisations and several political leaders.
Follow us
