CJP's Dipke Salutes Students But Stays Silent On Wangchuk Whose 26-Day Fast Sparked Nationwide Stir

Published 25 July 2026 · local

CJP's Dipke Salutes Students But Stays Silent On Wangchuk Whose 26-Day Fast Sparked Nationwide Stir Published By, Last Updated: July 25, 2026, 19:37 IST Despite

CJP's Dipke Salutes Students But Stays Silent On Wangchuk Whose 26-Day Fast Sparked Nationwide Stir Published By, Last Updated: July 25, 2026, 19:37 IST Despite celebrating the outcome, Dipke made no reference to Wangchuk, who had emerged as one of the most recognisable faces of the agitation. Dipke's decision to omit Wangchuk from his victory speech has drawn attention. (Image: PTI) Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke on Saturday declared “victory" while addressing student protesters at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar shortly after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned. However, what stood out in his address was the absence of any mention of activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose 26-day hunger strike had become a defining force behind the movement. What Abhijeet Dipke Said In His Speech? Addressing the gathering, Dipke urged supporters not to glorify any individual, including himself, for the minister’s resignation.

“I want to say something very important. Don’t make me a hero because Dharmendra Pradhan resigned today. Don’t make this mistake. Don’t make me a hero because of Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. The country has been ruined because of making one person a hero," Dipke said. Calling the resignation a victory for collective public action, he added, “This is the first wicket. We won’t stop here. This is just the beginning. I salute all students, all the volunteers who have been sitting here for the last 36 days," he said, ANI reported. “It’s a victory for the Constitution of India. It’s a victory for the people of India," he added. No Mention Of Sonam Wangchuk Despite celebrating the outcome, Dipke made no reference to Wangchuk, who had emerged as one of the most recognisable faces of the agitation.

The Ladakh-based educationist had launched an indefinite fast on June 28 after the protests struggled to gain momentum. As his health deteriorated, public support for the agitation grew rapidly, turning the protest into a nationwide movement. Wangchuk was later shifted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he ended his fast on Thursday following assurances from Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. Even after his hospitalisation, his appeals continued to energise protesters. Although the agitation eventually grew beyond any one individual, Dipke’s decision to omit Wangchuk from his victory speech drew attention, given the activist’s widely acknowledged role in galvanising the movement. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk.