Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk is on day 20 [1] of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
The protest highlights growing public anger over alleged NEET exam paper leaks and a broader push for systemic education reforms in India. By targeting the leadership of the education ministry, Wangchuk is attempting to force a government response to student grievances.
Wangchuk has lost 9.5 kg [2] during the 20-day fast. The Delhi High Court has ordered daily health monitoring [3] to track his condition as the strike continues. Despite the physical toll, Wangchuk said, "I will stay alive by any means" [4].
A central goal of the protest is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan [5]. The activist is also urging a massive turnout for a demonstration organized by the Cockroach Janata Party. The group is scheduled to march to the Indian Parliament on July 20, 2026 [6].
Wangchuk said, "We must ensure a massive turnout for the Cockroach Janata Party's march to Parliament on July 20" [7].
The activist remains stationed at Jantar Mantar, a historic site for protests in New Delhi, where he continues to call for an overhaul of the national examination system to prevent future leaks, and corruption [8].
“"I will stay alive by any means."”
The escalation of Wangchuk's hunger strike and the mobilization of the Cockroach Janata Party signal a transition from academic grievance to a broader political movement. By linking the NEET paper leak to a demand for a minister's resignation, the protest seeks to hold the highest levels of government accountable for administrative failures in the national education system.
