Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi [1].
The protest highlights growing public anger over alleged rigging and paper leaks in the NEET UG 2026 examinations. Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to ensure systemic accountability in India's education, health, and environment sectors [2].
Wangchuk began his fast on June 28 [3]. By the 17th day of the strike, reports indicated he had lost between 8.2 kg and 8.5 kg [4, 5]. Earlier in the protest, activist Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk had lost about two kg and suffered from low blood pressure, though the activist said Wangchuk felt fine [6].
Despite these health concerns, Wangchuk remains committed to the strike. "I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside," Wangchuk said [7].
The protest has gained support from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) [8]. However, the activist's deteriorating physical condition has led to legal interventions. A petition has been filed before the Delhi High Court seeking that Wangchuk be taken to a hospital and force-fed [9].
The movement seeks more than just a ministerial resignation. It calls for a broader overhaul of government accountability to prevent future examination leaks, and to address the grievances of students across the country [2].
“"I'm weak from the outside, but I'm strong from inside."”
The hunger strike by a high-profile figure like Sonam Wangchuk elevates the NEET UG 2026 leak allegations from a student grievance to a national political crisis. By linking education failures to broader systemic accountability, the protest pressures the central government to address institutional corruption under the threat of prolonged civil unrest and judicial intervention.
