Activist Sonam Wangchuk and the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) are conducting a hunger strike to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The movement highlights growing frustration over alleged systemic failures and a scandal surrounding national examinations. Because the protest involves a high-profile activist and a sitting cabinet minister, it signals a deepening conflict between civil society and the government's education administration.
The protests began on June 11, 2024 [1], with an initial gathering in Pune. The movement later expanded into a nationwide effort to hold the ministry accountable for the exam scandal [3]. The CJP organized a sit-in at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to maintain pressure on the administration [2].
As the protest entered its 11th day around June 21-22, 2024 [2], reports emerged regarding the health of the movement's leader. Sonam Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike to draw attention to the demands for ministerial accountability [2].
Recent updates on the strike indicate a physical toll on the activist. Wangchuk has lost two kilograms [3] as the hunger strike progressed into its fourth day. Despite the health concerns, the CJP continues to call for the immediate removal of Pradhan from his post [2].
The group alleges that the education system has failed students, and that the current leadership is unable to address the irregularities within the examination process [3]. The protesters maintain that only a change in leadership can ensure a transparent investigation into the scandal [3].
“The Cockroach Janta Party demands Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation”
This protest represents a convergence of student grievances and high-profile activism. By targeting the Union Education Minister specifically, the Cockroach Janta Party is attempting to personalize a systemic failure, shifting the narrative from bureaucratic error to political accountability. The involvement of Sonam Wangchuk, known for his previous environmental and political activism, lends the movement significant visibility and moral weight, increasing the likelihood of a government response.
