Sonam Wangchuk warns of hunger strike, foot march if detained CJP leaders in Delhi not released

IBNS-CMEDIA: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday warned that he would consider launching a hunger strike or undertaking a foot march if political leaders detained during the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led demonstration in Delhi were not released by Sunday.

Several prominent political leaders, including former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, were detained while attempting to join a protest at Jantar Mantar in the national capital.

The demonstration was organised over alleged irregularities in the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), with protesters demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In a video message shared on his social media accounts, Wangchuk described the situation as resembling an “undeclared emergency” in the country.

“Yesterday, when I posted a message appealing for unity & peace in today’s protest I had never imagined that the biggest democracy in the world would be under an undeclared EMERGENCY,” Wangchuk wrote on X.

He said he had been encouraged by the participation of several political leaders but was concerned to learn that they had been detained.

“I was happy there were so many leaders to lead the movement, but I now learn that they have all been arrested. I hope those arrested will be released soon,” he said.

Announcing his possible next steps, the activist wrote: “I will be compelled to consider an Anshan Fast or Padyatra March if they are not released by tomorrow.”

Although Wangchuk had expressed support for the protest, he was unable to participate in it physically.

Opposition Leaders Detained During Delhi Protest

Apart from CJP leaders, several opposition leaders, including former Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and former Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, were also detained in Delhi on Saturday amid police action against demonstrators demanding Kumar’s resignation.

According to reports, Banerjee and other Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders were detained at a bus depot in the national capital while participating in the demonstration.

Kejriwal was also detained after reportedly attempting to leave his residence to join the protest.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), demanding Kumar’s resignation, accused the BJP-led government of attempting to suppress opposition voices.

The protest centres on allegations of irregularities in electoral rolls and concerns surrounding the Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise.

Wangchuk-NEET protests and Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation

Led by the CJP, the protests over the NEET paper leak and related demands continued for weeks, with protesters demanding accountability from the government.

Former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned, which was one of the key demands raised by the protesters.

The CJP had staged a month-long protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Wangchuk joined the agitation and began a hunger strike on June 28.

Weeks later, he was allegedly removed by Delhi Police and admitted to a government hospital. He was subsequently shifted to a private clinic following a court order.

The protests intensified after police used force against demonstrators during a Parliament march on July 20.

The police action triggered widespread criticism, with protests being reported in several major cities, including Mumbai, Kolkata and Patna.