Mamata Banerjee backs CJP's NEET protest, calls Sonam Wangchuk
Synopsis
Mamata Banerjee personally called hunger-striking activist Sonam Wangchuk to check on his health — the first sitting Chief Minister to publicly back the CJP's Jantar Mantar agitation demanding Education Minister Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak. With Wangchuk's health deteriorating and opposition solidarity growing, the Centre's silence is becoming harder to sustain.
Key Takeaways
Mamata Banerjee extended support to the CJP 's NEET protest on 14 July , calling activist Sonam Wangchuk to enquire about his health.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the call and publicly thanked Banerjee for her solidarity.
The protest at Jantar Mantar began on 20 June , demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak .
Wangchuk began an indefinite fast on 28 June after the Centre did not respond by his deadline of 27 June .
Banerjee herself staged a 26-day hunger strike during the Singur agitation in 2008 , adding personal resonance to her support.
All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday, 14 July extended her solidarity to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s ongoing agitation in Delhi, personally calling social activist Sonam Wangchuk to enquire about his health as his indefinite hunger strike drew national attention.
What Banerjee Said and Did
According to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Banerjee spoke directly with Wangchuk, urging him to stay strong. Dipke expressed his gratitude publicly, confirming that the TMC leader extended her solidarity to the movement demanding justice for students affected by the NEET paper leak. Dipke acknowledged her concern and support in a post on social media.
The Protest at Jantar Mantar
The CJP launched its agitation at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 20 June, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the leak of the NEET examination paper — a controversy that reportedly affected lakhs of students across India. Wangchuk, the Ladakh-based activist, joined the movement from its inception.
After the Centre failed to respond by his self-imposed deadline of 27 June, Wangchuk began an indefinite fast on 28 June. His deteriorating health has since prompted appeals from multiple quarters for him to end the fast.
Why Banerjee's Support Carries Weight
Banerjee's backing adds significant political weight to what began as a civil society movement. Notably, she herself undertook a 26-day hunger strike in 2008 during the Singur anti-land acquisition agitation — lending her a personal understanding of the stakes involved in prolonged fasting as protest. This is the first major opposition political endorsement the CJP movement has received at the level of a sitting Chief Minister.
This comes amid mounting pressure on the Centre over the NEET controversy, with students, educators, and civil society groups calling for accountability. Critics argue that the government's silence in the face of Wangchuk's fast reflects a broader unwillingness to engage with the demands of those most affected by the alleged paper leak.
What Happens Next
With Wangchuk's health reportedly deteriorating and Banerjee's support now on record, pressure on Union Education Minister Pradhan and the Centre is likely to intensify. Whether other opposition leaders follow Banerjee's lead in backing the movement could determine its political trajectory in the days ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mamata Banerjee call Sonam Wangchuk?
Banerjee called Wangchuk to enquire about his health during his indefinite hunger strike in Delhi and to express solidarity with the CJP's movement demanding justice for students affected by the NEET paper leak. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke confirmed the call and publicly thanked her.
What is the CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar about?
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) launched a sit-in at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on 20 June demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET examination paper leak, which reportedly affected lakhs of students.
When did Sonam Wangchuk begin his hunger strike?
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on 28 June after the Centre failed to take any positive action by his self-imposed deadline of 27 June. His health has since deteriorated, prompting appeals from multiple quarters to break the fast.
Why is Mamata Banerjee's support significant?
Banerjee is the first sitting Chief Minister to publicly back the CJP movement, lending it significant political weight. Her own 26-day hunger strike during the 2008 Singur agitation gives her personal credibility on the issue of fasting as protest.
Who is Abhijeet Dipke?
Abhijeet Dipke is the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and is staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over the NEET paper leak controversy.
