The air is hot and humid with little relief from the rising temperatures. There are no fans or air conditioning at the site, and the area carries the smell of sweat while the toilets remain unclean. One night spent at the Cockroach Janta Party protest location in New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar highlighted the difficult conditions faced by activist Sonam Wangchuk during his indefinite fast, which reached its 19th day on Thursday.
Young leaders from the Cockroach Janta Party rotate shifts at the site while Wangchuk maintains a steady presence, using an iPad and a table fan. Even if he consumes food following appeals from various public figures, it would not diminish the impact of the agitation.
This assessment comes after direct observation at the protest site rather than from a distance. Spending time among demonstrators showed that conducting an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi’s current weather presents major physical challenges. Heat, humidity and occasional rain place constant strain on those present.
Wangchuk has now gone 19 days without food. The 59-year-old has become the central figure in the movement sparked by anger over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and wider concerns about the education system.
Public figures including politicians, actors and writers have urged Wangchuk to end his fast. He has declined, stating he seeks talks with the central government. In a video message, he said he is not in good condition but not critically so, and asked supporters to join a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20 instead of requesting he break the fast.
The Delhi High Court issued notices to the Centre and Delhi government regarding a petition seeking urgent medical assistance for Wangchuk, describing the situation as one of self-harm before the public.
These events confirm that Wangchuk has drawn national attention and prompted widespread discussion, which many hunger strikes aim to achieve. The broader demands of the movement have gained traction, and the protest appears capable of continuing regardless of whether he ends his fast.
The case for ending the fast rests on physical concerns rather than political views. Most visitors to Jantar Mantar have come to show support for Wangchuk after weeks without food. The movement arose from public outrage over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak that affected more than 22 lakh students and led to exam cancellation, a retest and reports of student suicides.
Remarks by the Chief Justice of India describing unemployed youth as parasites and cockroaches drew strong criticism and prompted the creation of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. Protesters in cockroach masks have gathered at the site demanding accountability and the resignation of the Union Education Minister. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 6 and later began his hunger strike.
After multiple visits including one full night, it became clear the movement centers largely on one individual. Security personnel noted that crowds gather primarily to see Wangchuk. The physical demands of the weather became evident, as even one night proved exhausting.
