Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar on Sunday to protest alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
The move escalates a growing campaign against the national medical entrance exam, signaling a broadening coalition of activists and political dissidents targeting the education ministry's leadership.
Wangchuk joined members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) in Delhi. The group is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following reports of a paper leak and other systemic failures within the examination process [1, 2].
The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar has been ongoing since June 20 [1]. The sit-in has attracted various supporters, including members of the NCP and SP, as the group seeks accountability for the alleged academic misconduct [1].
Wangchuk expressed frustration with the government's response to the crisis. "Being forced to sit here in heat, wish govt had shown sensitivity," Wangchuk said [1].
Other CJP members have used more aggressive rhetoric to pressure the administration. "Sack Pradhan or become the most incompetent PM in history," Abhijeet Dipke, a member of the CJP, said [2].
The protesters argue that the integrity of the medical entrance system has been compromised, affecting thousands of students across the country. By initiating a hunger strike, Wangchuk intends to bring national attention to the demand for a leadership change within the ministry [1, 2].
“"Being forced to sit here in heat, wish govt had shown sensitivity."”
The involvement of a high-profile figure like Sonam Wangchuk transforms a specific grievance over exam leaks into a broader symbol of government unaccountability. By aligning with the Cockroach Janata Party, Wangchuk is leveraging his public trust to amplify the demands for the Education Minister's resignation, potentially forcing the administration to address the NEET irregularities to avoid further political instability.
