New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar became a national focal point as activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the tenth day of an indefinite hunger strike. Simultaneously, a clip of Abhijit Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Public Party (CJP), munching on kachori, bread pakora and noodles spread like wildfire across social media. Netizens questioned why Dipke and his supporters were not joining the fast while Wangchuk remained on hunger strike.

Backlash Over the Snack Clip

Critics labeled the video as an attempt to undermine the protest, accusing Dipke of abandoning the cause. Many argued that such content diverts attention from the movement’s central issues—NEET paper leak, youth unemployment and the demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.

Dipke’s Detailed Rebuttal

In an exclusive interview with India Today Digital’s partner platform Delhi Tak, Dipke clarified that the clip was taken before Wangchuk’s fast began. He explained that at the time of the recording, Wangchuk was on a European environmental conference, not at Jantar Mantar. Dipke alleged that the footage was deliberately edited and shared to weaken the student movement.

Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike and Its Demands

Wangchuk’s strike targets the NEET exam paper leak, soaring unemployment among graduates, and perceived policy failures of the education ministry. Protesters demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and stricter exam security. While thousands of students rallied at the site, Wangchuk chose to fast alone, prompting questions about the lack of a full‑fledged core team on the fast. Dipke defended this decision as a strategic move, stating that if every member sat on a hunger strike, logistical coordination of the protest would become untenable.

Future Outlook and Potential Impact

Dipke disclosed that he suffers from severe migraines, making a prolonged fast physically challenging. He also expressed concern over Wangchuk’s rapidly declining health—reportedly losing up to five kilograms in a few days. Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to continue the fast until concrete action is taken on the demands. To date, the central government has not issued an official response, leaving the protest’s duration uncertain.