Activist’s Hospitalization Sparks Controversy Amid Education Reform Movement

Police transferred activist Sonam Wangchuk to a hospital in New Delhi after his health deteriorated during a 20-day hunger strike. This strike is part of India’s Cockroach Janta Party movement, which seeks education reform.

Authorities tightened security at Jantar Mantar, the site of the protest, where Wangchuk, students, and Cockroach Party activists demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The demand follows allegations of leaked exam papers. The movement also calls for exam system reforms and compensation for families of students who died by suicide due to the leaks.

The 59-year-old engineer and reformer’s strike has become central to the Cockroach Janta Party, popularized after India’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant likened unemployed youth to “cockroaches.” Supporters adopted this label, creating a satirical political campaign with over 21 million Instagram followers.

According to Delhi Police, Wangchuk was hospitalized after advice from medical professionals and a court directive. Deputy Commissioner Sachin Sharma described the action as necessary for Wangchuk’s health, carried out under medical supervision.

The Cockroach Party claimed on social media that Wangchuk was “forcefully abducted” without consent from him or his family. Following the incident, Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University student and Cockroach Party founder, announced his own hunger strike.

Dipke accused police of using force to remove Wangchuk, stating he was “kidnapped by the police” after being “covered in sheets.” He affirmed that the movement’s planned march to India’s Parliament would proceed, coinciding with the session’s start on Monday.

Authorities increased police and paramilitary presence around Jantar Mantar, explaining these security measures as precautionary. They urged protesters to cooperate with authorities.