Activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to protest irregularities in the national education system.
The demonstration highlights growing public anger over alleged paper leaks in the NEET exams and demands accountability from Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The intersection of student grievances and high-profile activism puts pressure on the government to address systemic failures in competitive testing.
Wangchuk joined the protest organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), founded by Abhijeet Dipke. The hunger strike began on June 28 [1]. By Monday, June 29, the broader CJP protest had reached its 10th day [3].
Violence erupted on June 29 when Delhi police used a lathicharge to disperse the crowd at approximately 4 p.m. [2]. Protesters reportedly rushed into nearby cafes to escape the police action, which included the firing of tear gas [2].
Following the crackdown, the CJP said that Delhi police denied the activist access to a portable toilet during his fast [1]. The situation escalated as the protest entered its 11th day on June 30, with reports that Wangchuk's health began to deteriorate [4].
The CJP said that the movement will not only focus on education irregularities, but will also take up broader election-related issues [1]. The protest remains centered at Jantar Mantar, a traditional site for political demonstrations in the capital.
“Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar”
The alignment of Sonam Wangchuk's influence with the Cockroach Janata Party's grassroots mobilization signals a broadening of the NEET exam controversy. By shifting the focus from simple administrative errors to systemic accountability and election issues, the protesters are attempting to transform a student-led grievance into a wider political movement against the current education ministry.
