Jantar Mantar protest: Wangchuk hunger strike enters day 20, opposition rallies

Strike enters third week

The protest by activist Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar entered its 20th day on Friday, with opposition support swelling as his hunger strike continues. Wangchuk, the face of the so-called 'Cockroach party' movement, has been on a fast demanding action on regional and environmental issues.

On the 19th day, he was heard saying, 'I'm sorry but I'm unable to speak,' indicating severe weakness. Medical teams remain on standby at the protest site, though authorities have not disclosed his current health parameters.

Opposition leaders rally

Congress leader Pawan Khera visited Wangchuk on Friday, joining a growing list of politicians who have expressed solidarity. The gathering at Jantar Mantar has seen a steady increase in supporters from various states, with placards demanding policy changes.

Opposition parties have used the platform to criticise the central government's handling of regional grievances. The protest has become a flashpoint for broader political discontent, though the organisers maintain it is apolitical in nature.

International support

A US-based Hindu rights group has announced its backing for Wangchuk's hunger strike. The group is planning a rally in Washington next week to highlight the activist's demands, according to reports from The Times of India.

This marks the first significant international dimension to the protest, which began over local environmental and administrative issues. The group's support could amplify the pressure on the Indian government, though officials have not yet responded to the development.

Centre's parallel action

Amid the protest, the Centre has ordered stricter scrutiny of digitised birth and death records across all states. The directive, issued this week, aims to prevent discrepancies in civil registration data.

Government sources said the move is unrelated to the Jantar Mantar protest, but activists have linked it to a broader crackdown on dissent. The timing of the order has raised eyebrows among opposition leaders, who see it as a diversionary tactic.

What to watch

The coming days will be critical as Wangchuk's health deteriorates. Opposition parties are expected to ramp up their rhetoric, while the government faces a choice between engagement or further polarisation. The Washington rally could also draw global attention to the protest's core demands.