Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday appealed to citizens across India to join his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar or organise similar one-day fasts in their own cities and villages in support of education reforms and environmental protection.
In a video message shared by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk said he was observing the second day of his fast on salt and water and invited people to extend their support by participating in the protest.
Day 2 of the Hunger Strike:
A heartfelt appeal by @Wangchuk66 to all Indians. pic.twitter.com/5qbOdzJ8Yx
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) June 29, 2026
“Many people have joined here, you can also join. If you come here for one day of Anshan, it will be very good,” Wangchuk said, adding that those unable to travel to Delhi could observe a one-day hunger strike in their respective states, cities or villages for education, environmental protection, clean air and water, and a government response to the issues raised.
Education System Needs Course Correction, Says Wangchuk
Addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk said India’s education system requires urgent reforms and described the resignation of the education minister as the first step towards restoring confidence in the sector.
“No developed nation has achieved progress without investing in quality education. Similarly, India cannot become a Viksit Bharat (developed India) without strengthening its education system.” said Wangchuk while addressing the protestors.
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He stated that no country had achieved development without investing in quality education and added that India could not realise its vision of becoming a developed nation without strengthening its education system. Referring to recent controversies surrounding examinations, Wangchuk said the movement was aimed at bringing about a course correction in education policy.
Earlier Warning Over Government Response
The hunger strike followed Wangchuk’s earlier announcement through a video posted on X while standing outside the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, that he would begin an indefinite fast from June 28 if the government failed to address at least one of his two principal demands, concerning education reforms and greater autonomy for Ladakh.
Greetings From Palais de Nations Geneva…
This is the Jantar Mantar of Geneva where all people can gather and demonstrate
Education & Environment are my two causes and I hope at least one of them would be resolved during this week…#SonamWangchuk #CockroachJantaParty #CJP pic.twitter.com/ibpZU8J5W4— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) June 25, 2026
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CJP Alleges Basic Facilities Were Withdrawn
On Sunday, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that the Delhi Police had withdrawn water and sanitation facilities at Jantar Mantar.
“Delhi Police has cut off sanitation facility at Jantar Mantar after Sonam Wangchuk announced his hunger strike. No water connection and hygiene measures”, “Despite repeated pleas and telling them about Wangchuk ji’s age and health concerns, the Police is not cooperating and we suspect that other such basic facilities too will be cut off. What is the police upto?” Abhijeet wrote on X.
Earlier this day, Abhijeet Dipke, posted on X, saying that “Delhi Police denying portable toilet for Sonam Wangchuk who’s on hunger strike. The public toilets at Jantar Mantar don’t have water supply.”
Delhi Police denying portable toilet for Sonam Wangchuk who’s on hunger strike.
The public toilets at Jantar Mantar don’t have water supply. pic.twitter.com/ItOMqTmjX1
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) June 28, 2026
Protest to Continue Amid NEET Paper Leak Allegations
The Cockroach Janta Party announced that its protest at Jantar Mantar over alleged examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak would continue on Monday. Dipke invited farmer organisations to join the agitation, saying participation was expected to increase.
He reiterated the demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and alleged that Delhi Police personnel were collecting Aadhaar details and addresses of individuals donating water and bananas to protesters. Earlier, Dipke had also criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that retaining the education minister despite the allegations would reflect poorly on the government’s response to the issue.
