CJP Protest Enters Day 25: Wangchuk Holds Firm Despite Pain, Awaits Government Response

The Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar completed 25 days on Tuesday, with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entering the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike amid sharply worsening health. According to a health bulletin issued by CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg since beginning his fast, with his blood pressure recorded at 109/70 mm Hg. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk has started losing muscle mass and is in " immense pain ," but remains firm in his refusal to end the strike , insisting the government initiate dialogue rather than wait him out. Dipke said Wangchuk continues to direct preparations for a march to Parliament planned for July 20 , the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

Meanwhile, AISA activist Deepak , one of several students who joined the hunger strike in solidarity, was admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Monday after his heartbeat fluctuated during observation. He was discharged on Tuesday morning after medical tests.

Veteran actor Zeenat Aman lent her voice to the growing chorus urging the Centre to engage with Wangchuk, writing on Instagram that "we must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed," and calling for peaceful talks .

On the political front, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray reiterated his support for the CJP protest, urging Wangchuk to end his fast while pledging solidarity demonstrations in Maharashtra. Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde hit back sharply, accusing the UBT faction of political opportunism , alleging they were attempting to gain political mileage without having the courage to protest themselves, and dismissing the show of support as "wisdom coming too late."

With no government delegation yet dispatched to the protest site, the standoff appears set to intensify ahead of the planned Parliament march on July 20.