Left leaders back Wangchuk-Dipke protest as CJP gains widespread support
Call for cross-party unity grows amid demand for accountability over scandal
New Delhi: As Ladakh activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its second day, the Cockroach Janata Party today opened its protest site at Jantar Mantar to all political parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test paper leak scandal and Central Board of Secondary Education irregularities.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke interacted with Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby, senior leader Brinda Karat, and Communist Party of India general secretary D. Raja after the Left leaders visited the protest site.
The visit came amid mounting political attention around the agitation. Addressing a press conference in the evening, Wangchuk and Dipke said the issue transcended party politics and called for unity against what they described as the “CBSE-NEET fiasco” that has jeopardised the future of millions of students.
“This is an issue that concerns every party. It is also an issue for the BJP. To those who think this is for the Opposition, it is not a political platform. There is no need for anyone to feel insecure about this,” Wangchuk said.
Dipke said the invitation to join the protest was open to BJP leaders willing to demand accountability, but with conditions. “They can join the protest but without party flags,” he said. Wangchuk said his medical examination in the evening showed vital parameters remained normal as the fast continued. He added that several others had joined through staggered fasts and appealed to citizens to sit for a day in solidarity.
The protest has drawn widening support. Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya had joined the June 6 demonstration, while All India Students’ Association national president Neha and other members are continuing a parallel hunger strike at the site.
CJP spokesperson Anish Gawande has also publicly backed the campaign.
