protests

CJP Protest: Live Updates — Dipke Takes Over Hunger Strike, Oppn Slams 'State Violence' After Wangchuk Hospitalized

By CJP Desk4 min read · Jul 18, 2026

Delhi Police shifts Sonam Wangchuk to hospital on 21st hunger strike day. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke begins indefinite fast, while Opposition leaders call it an 'assault on democracy'. July 20 Parliament march remains on track.

🚨 BREAKING: Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital on Day 21

In dramatic scenes at Jantar Mantar, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital early Saturday morning on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike [citation:3][citation:7]. Delhi Police stated the action was taken following medical advice and Delhi High Court directions [citation:3][citation:11].

Wangchuk, 59, has been on hunger strike since June 28 demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities and deaths of students linked to the controversy [citation:1][citation:3].

Health Condition

Doctors at Safdarjung Hospital confirmed Wangchuk is "weak due to prolonged fasting and dehydration" but "currently stable" and requires continuous monitoring [citation:7][citation:11]. He had lost nearly 9.5 kg since beginning the fast, according to medical assessments [citation:3][citation:7].

*"They don't understand this is not a disease or disorder. It's a self-chosen path."* — Sonam Wangchuk to police officials as he was being escorted away [citation:9]

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🔥 CJP Founder Begins Indefinite Hunger Strike

Hours after Wangchuk's hospitalization, Abhijeet Dipke, the Boston University student who founded the Cockroach Janta Party, announced his own indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar [citation:2][citation:6].

*"I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now."* — Abhijeet Dipke [citation:2]

Dipke alleged he was beaten and placed under house arrest by police when he tried to return to the protest site [citation:2][citation:10]. He was seen breaking down in tears at the venue following Wangchuk's removal [citation:10].

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👮 Police Justification vs. CJP Allegations

Delhi Police Statement:

  • Wangchuk shifted for "essential medical care" following expert advice and high court orders [citation:2][citation:11]
  • Some protesters tried to obstruct, causing a "slight commotion" [citation:3]
  • Police exercised "maximum restraint" [citation:3]
  • Appeal to protesters to peacefully vacate Jantar Mantar [citation:2]

CJP Allegations:

  • Wangchuk was "forcefully abducted" without consent [citation:1][citation:5]
  • He was "covered in sheets" and "dragged away" [citation:1][citation:8]
  • Students were lathi-charged [citation:2]
  • Electricity to the protest site was cut off [citation:9]
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🗣️ Opposition Condemns Police Action

Opposition leaders reacted sharply to the police action [citation:8]:

| Leader | Response | |------------|--------------| | Manish Sisodia (AAP) | *"What a reign of thugs... This isn't politics; it's cowardice."* | | Sanjay Singh (AAP) | *"The very youth you're beating with batons will uproot your throne."* | | Sagarika Ghose (TMC) | *"What sort of shocking coercive state violence is this?"* | | Dimple Yadav (SP) | *"An assault on democracy and the Constitution."* |

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📋 Key Developments at a Glance

| Event | Details | |-----------|-------------| | Wangchuk Hunger Strike | 21 days (since June 28) | | Weight Loss | 9.5 kg | | Hospital | Safdarjung Hospital, admitted at 7:40 AM | | Dipke Hunger Strike | Begun July 18, 2026 | | AISA Activists | 3 PhD scholars also on hunger strike [citation:10] | | July 20 March | "Demand for PM's Resignation" march to Parliament — STILL ON [citation:2] | | Security | Heavy police, paramilitary forces deployed [citation:1] |

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🔮 What Happens Next?

July 20, 2026 — Three Major Events Converge:

1. Parliament March — CJP calls for peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament [citation:6] 2. Monsoon Session Begins — Parliament's session starts on the same day [citation:6] 3. Delhi HC Hearing — PIL on police surveillance of CJP protesters scheduled [citation:1]

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📱 Movement by the Numbers

| Metric | Data | |------------|----------| | Instagram Followers | 21+ million [citation:1][citation:5] | | Started | May 2026 after SC CJI's "cockroach" comment [citation:1] | | Core Demand | Education Minister Pradhan's resignation | | Expanded Demand | PM Narendra Modi's resignation [citation:10] |

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💡 Conclusion

The CJP protest has entered its most critical phase. With Sonam Wangchuk hospitalized and Abhijeet Dipke now on hunger strike, the movement faces an unprecedented test of resolve. Opposition support, international media coverage, and a planned Parliament march on July 20 make this one of India's most significant protest moments in recent history.

The cockroaches are not backing down.

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