Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday, July 24, 2026 [1].
The fast was designed to pressure Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 exam. The protest highlights growing public frustration over the integrity of India's national competitive examinations.
Wangchuk concluded the fast while at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram [2]. The 26-day strike [1] drew significant attention to the demands of students and activists who allege systemic failures in the examination process.
Despite the end of the fast, the movement remains active. Abhijeet Dipke, the convener of the CJP, said, "We will continue the protest demanding Pradhan's resignation" [3].
Wangchuk questioned the need for further demonstrations of his commitment during the strike. "Do I need to prove my sincerity?" he said [3].
Other protesters have indicated that the movement will not dissipate until the government takes action. An unnamed protester said, "We will keep pressing until the education minister steps down" [1].
The protest centers on the NEET-UG 2026 exam, where alleged irregularities have sparked widespread outcry across the country. While Wangchuk has ceased his fast, the CJP and other supporting groups maintain that the resignation of the education minister is the only acceptable resolution to the crisis.
“"Do I need to prove my sincerity?"”
The conclusion of Sonam Wangchuk's fast marks a transition from a high-profile individual sacrifice to a sustained collective protest. By ending the strike at Medanta Hospital without a resignation from Minister Pradhan, the movement now shifts its strategy toward long-term political pressure to address the perceived instability and corruption within India's medical entrance examination system.
