 protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day on Thursday, with founder Abhijeet Dipke accusing){kind=link}
Abhijeet Dipke alleges students were left exposed to heavy rain at Jantar Mantar, while Sonam Wangchuk’s health deteriorates during his indefinite fast.
July 9, 2026: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day on Thursday, with founder Abhijeet Dipke accusing the Delhi Police of refusing to allow tarpaulins at the protest site despite heavy overnight rainfall. In a video shared on X, Dipke alleged that protesting students were left drenched in the rain while police personnel remained under shelter. He claimed that soaked mattresses, wet clothes and sleepless nights had left many students falling ill, questioning why rain protection was denied despite the worsening weather.
The protesters continue to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability over alleged examination irregularities and paper leaks. Dipke said the students had been enduring difficult conditions for weeks and criticised the authorities for failing to provide basic shelter. The development comes shortly after the Delhi High Court ordered the restoration of the CJP’s original X account, a move Dipke described as a victory for free speech and the ongoing protest movement.
Meanwhile, educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing an indefinite fast in support of the agitation, witnessed a further decline in his health. According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk has lost more than seven kilograms since beginning his fast, though doctors said he remains mentally alert. In a related development, AISA member Hrishikesh, who was also on an indefinite hunger strike, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after his health deteriorated.