The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) began a massive sit-in protest and hunger strike at the Jantar Mantar Ground in New Delhi since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, dissolution of the NTA and transparency of our examination system. Sonam Wangchuk, an eminent engineer, educationist, globally acclaimed climate activist and an iconic figure of environmental and human rights movements in India, joined the protest with a fast unto death from June 28. Besides being a relentless fighter against the deep-rooted corruption in our education system, he is well known for spearheading the fight for conservation and constitutional protection of the natural habitat and bio-diversity of Ladakh.
The leak of question papers of the NEET-UG in 2026, leading to the cancellation of the examination and the huge uncertainty caused by it led to a widespread depression among the aspirants all over the country, with at least 12 or 13 cases of suicide. According to reports published in newspapers and other media across India, these tragic events took place in many states including Telangana, U.P. and the states in the north-east. Indeed, the NEET examination conducted by the central agency NTA has really become a farce over the last few years. Students, youth and leaders of farmers’ organizations have joined the protest of CJP in large numbers. A call has been given to hold a peaceful rally and `March to the Parliament’ on June 20, the day of commencement of the monsoon session of the Parliament. Meanwhile, the health condition of Sonam Wangchuk is deteriorating and has already reached a critical level. Quite a few students including the AISA leader Deepak who were also fasting with Sonam have been hospitalized due to serious health condition. This is an alarming situation for every conscientious Indian. The eminent journalist Rajdeep Sardesai has expressed his great admiration and support for Sonam’s protest following the Gandhian path, and denounced the majority of political leaders who were busy enjoying their vacation in the hills to escape from the scorching summer of the capital. Sonam published a video message on July 10 saying, “ I am not a hero or a Gandhi…I am none but an ordinary citizen trying to carry out my responsibility as a citizen.”
Sonam Wangchuk is fighting for the right to education and livelihood of every Indian citizen. So does the CJP. The `Sangrami Gono-Mancha’ would like to express solidarity with them, to send `Red Salute’ to these brave fighters. We strongly condemn the Union Government for playing with the lives of millions of students and the Union Education minister who is busy with the birthday celebration.
The Sangrami Gana-Mancha urges every conscientious individual from West Bengal (and India) who values democratic rights to express solidarity with this spontaneous civil movement under the banner of the CJP.
Convenors
Sangrami Ganamancha
