Activist Sonam Wangchuk has rejected allegations that the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest movement had foreign backing, saying most of the group’s social media followers are from India.
Speaking on Prakhar Gupta’s podcast, Wangchuk said officials and the Lieutenant Governor had claimed that the movement was receiving significant support from Bangladesh, Pakistan and the United States.
Wangchuk said he subsequently examined CJP’s social media follower data. According to his analysis, around 94% of the followers were based in India, while only about 6% were from other countries.
He also said there appeared to be no indication that people associated with the movement had received money from an external force. However, Wangchuk stressed that academic records and other major claims should be independently verified.
Wangchuk said he decided to support the protesters after they told him they could face arrest if they travelled to Delhi.
CJP protest over NEET irregularities
The Cockroach Janata Party began its protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 20, raising concerns over the NEET paper leak and alleged irregularities in the examination system.
The group later ended its protest on July 25 after receiving assurances from the government and demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Lathi-charge during Parliament march
On July 20, CJP protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, despite not having permission from Delhi Police. Police used lathis to disperse the demonstrators during the march.
Wangchuk also joined NEET protest
Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak and alleged examination irregularities.
After his health deteriorated, Delhi Police took him to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. He was later admitted to Medanta Hospital. Following assurances from the government, Wangchuk ended his hunger strike on July 24.
Earlier detained over Ladakh statehood movement
Wangchuk had earlier spent 170 days in Jodhpur Jail during his campaign demanding full statehood for Ladakh.
The government accused him of inciting violence during protests in Leh on September 24, 2025, in which four people were killed and 90 injured. He was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) on September 26 and sent to Jodhpur Jail.
