New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for restraint and humility following the conclusion of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) led protest, amid a growing controversy over videos showing members of the organisation celebrating after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
In a post on X, Wangchuk stressed that success should be marked with dignity and responsibility. He said that true victory is measured not only by achieving a goal but also by the manner in which it is celebrated, adding that humility should always accompany success.
His remarks came as social media witnessed intense debate over videos of CJP leaders dancing and celebrating just hours after the 37 day protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar was called off. While Wangchuk did not directly mention the celebrations, his message was widely seen as an appeal for moderation following the movement’s success.
Wangchuk became one of the most prominent faces of the NEET UG protest after joining students at Jantar Mantar. He undertook an indefinite hunger strike and remained with the protesters until he was shifted to a government hospital by police. He ended his 26 day fast on July 23 after the Centre assured that no legal action would be taken against protesters and that compensation would be provided to the families of NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the alleged paper leak.
The controversy surrounding CJP intensified after critics argued that the celebrations were insensitive because the movement had been driven in part by the deaths of students. Others questioned the timing, pointing out that some protesters in different states were still facing police action and legal proceedings.
Responding to the backlash, CJP Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das defended the gathering, saying it reflected the energy and resilience of a younger generation that could protest and celebrate at the same time. He also denied claims that the event was held at a luxury hotel, clarifying that it took place in a modest venue to thank nearly 200 volunteers who had travelled from across the country and participated in the 37 day agitation.
The CJP led protest concluded after the government accepted several key demands, including Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, compensation for affected families, and assurances that legal action against protesters would be withdrawn.
