Sonam Wangchuk Denies Allegations of CJP's Foreign Connections

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has denied allegations of foreign connections linked to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protests. He stated that a large number of CJP's social media followers are in India and no foreign interference was seen in the movement.

During a podcast conversation with Prakhar Gupta, Sonam Wangchuk was questioned about CJP's funding and foreign relations. He said that he did not run any sophisticated research software and did not conduct any detailed or technical investigation himself. He said, "Maybe they recruit in such a sophisticated way that the person does not realize it until they die and 500 years pass."

Sonam Wangchuk said that officials told him that a large number of CJP's social media followers are in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the USA, but on checking analytics, 94 percent of followers were from India and only 6 percent were foreign. Based on the situation on the ground, he did not feel there was any foreign interference. He said, "If 30 percent of followers were from abroad and 70 percent from India, then he would be concerned."

He said that during the conversation he did not feel at all that these people were working at the behest of any foreign power, so he supported the movement. He made two decisions: first, to join the movement, and second, if arrested, to go on a hunger strike in support.

Sonam Wangchuk said that after a comment from Ladakh's LG VK Saxena, he contacted Abhijeet Deepak and went on a hunger strike for 26 days. He said, "The LG had accused CJP of connections with 'Pakistan-Bangladesh and America' and asked not to support them."

He said, "This is a creative expression of the youth" and had called himself an honorary cockroach at that time, which was published in newspapers. In response to a journalist's question, he said, "I did not run any sophisticated research software" and "those who lead should not lie."

Sonam Wangchuk said that if someone has made big claims about their academic qualifications or achievements and they prove false, then they should be investigated. On the questions, he said, "This matter should be further investigated." LG VK Saxena later tweeted a stern warning to be cautious about supporting CJP.