Samajwadi Party Lok Sabha MP Priya Saroj visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Tuesday to meet social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) campaign. During her visit, the young parliamentarian expressed solidarity with Wangchuk and the protesters, saying that democratic voices should be heard through peaceful dialogue.
Sonam Wangchuk has now entered the 17th day of his hunger strike, while the broader CJP protest has continued for nearly 25 days at Jantar Mantar. The campaign is demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities and has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
During her interaction with Wangchuk and other protesters, Priya Saroj said that public representatives have a responsibility to listen to citizens raising issues through peaceful and constitutional means. She reiterated her support for the concerns being raised by the protesters and emphasized that dialogue remains the most effective way to resolve public grievances.
The visit comes at a time when concern over Wangchuk's health continues to grow. According to updates shared by those associated with the protest, the activist has lost more than 8 kilograms since beginning his fast. Organisers have said he is experiencing muscle loss, weakness and persistent pain, although he has refused repeated appeals to end his hunger strike.
Medical teams have been regularly monitoring Wangchuk's condition at the protest site. Supporters say he remains determined to continue the fast until meaningful discussions take place regarding the movement's demands.
The CJP campaign has attracted support from students, youth groups, activists and several political leaders over the past few weeks. Organisers argue that the movement seeks greater transparency and accountability in the education system following allegations related to examination irregularities.
In recent days, a number of opposition leaders have also visited Jantar Mantar to meet Wangchuk and express concern over his deteriorating health. Several public figures have appealed to him to end the fast, while simultaneously urging the government to engage in discussions with the protesters.
Despite growing concern about his physical condition, Wangchuk has maintained that the protest is aimed at highlighting issues affecting students and the education system. He has appealed to citizens to participate peacefully in the movement and has called for a march towards Parliament on 20 July, coinciding with the beginning of the Monsoon Session.
As the protest enters another week, all eyes remain on whether talks between the protesters and the authorities will take place. Meanwhile, Priya Saroj's visit has added further political attention to the ongoing demonstration, which continues to draw supporters and visitors from different parts of the country.