It is worth mentioning that the CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk's condition is critical. Thursday was the 19th day of her hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. She has lost 9 kg. Doctors say that if the hunger strike continues, her vital organs (heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.) may be damaged. Therefore, she should either be persuaded to end the hunger strike or forcibly taken to the hospital.

Wangchuk has categorically refused to break her fast. She has appealed to all sections of the country, including political parties, to participate in the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) Parliament March on July 20 in large numbers and to convey the people's voice for reforms in the educational system and accountability to the government. The Delhi High Court, hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Wangchuk case, has directed the central government to ensure "regular daily monitoring" of Wangchuk's health as "the life of every citizen of the country is precious."

It has also asked the government and Wangchuk's supporters to find ways and means to end Wangchuk's fast through dialogue. Despite all such scenarios, the Narendra Modi government has maintained silence on Wangchuk's hunger strike. So far, it has not taken a single step towards listening to the grievances of the agitators who have been on a dharna at Jantar Mantar for almost three weeks.

Prime Minister Modi has always given the impression that he cannot be "arm-twisted into accepting any demand." That is why no Union minister or senior BJP leader has yet made a statement on Wangchuk's fast to death; let alone the reason for the fast or the demands of the CJP. Government circles say that despite the CJP's breach of promise, the government has allowed it to protest at Jantar Mantar, which is a sign of political liberality. The CJP had sought permission for a one-day rally. After the permission expired, it directly violated the agreement with the Delhi Police by creating a 'pretense' of a hunger strike.

It is worth mentioning that the CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. It argues that the Union Education Minister should be held responsible for incidents like the leak of NEET entrance exam papers or the continuous irregularities in CBSE exams. Therefore, he should either be asked to resign on moral grounds or be dismissed. This argument or demand is not obviously unreasonable. But the government has objections to its validity. It says that a minister should not be 'hanged' for every departmental mistake.

However, he is unhappy with the methods by which this demand is being raised. He is of the opinion that the way the leaders of the movement have provided a platform to the anti-Modi protesters and have been continuously giving a political colour to their demands, it seems right to suspect that a game of raising political ambitions is being played under the guise of a social movement. That is why the government's attitude is dominated by the same dogmatism that was present during the farmers' movement or the anti-CAA movement. Despite doubts about the policy and intentions of the protesters, the amount of government dogmatism in a democracy should not be so much that it gives an arrogant impression. A little softness like sending one or two ministers to Wangchuk or starting formal talks cannot dent the image of the government, but it can prove to be an example of its liberal stance and nature. 

Hunger strike is not a new weapon for Wangchuk. This personality, who is adorned with titles like thinker, educator, inventor, philanthropist, is still considered the face of the people's movement for the demands of the Ladakh region. When this movement took a violent turn, the government had even kept Wangchuk in jail for six months, declaring him 'anti-national' or 'traitor'. But after this detention, he did not show any weakness. After coming out of jail, he continued to support the aspirations of the Ladakhi people during every round of talks with the government and also showed understanding of the government's limitations and difficulties. The adoption of a method like hunger strike or fast unto death by such a personality is proof of the fact that the gap between government policies and people's needs has widened considerably. The government should take the initiative to bridge this. This is also the demand of democratic values.