Activist Sonam Wangchuk has softened his demands regarding the NEET-UG paper leak while continuing an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.
The shift in demands suggests a potential opening for a negotiated settlement between the protest leadership and the Indian government. This movement seeks accountability for alleged examination leaks and protections for students facing legal action.
Wangchuk has revised the protest's core requirements. He previously demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan but now asks the government to "consider" the resignation, he said [2]. Additionally, the original demand for ₹1 crore [3] in compensation for affected candidates has been replaced by a call for "adequate compensation" [3].
Wangchuk is currently fasting at Jantar Mantar, having begun the strike on June 28, 2026 [5]. The physical toll of the protest has been significant. By the 11th day of the strike, reports indicated that Wangchuk had lost over seven kg [1, 4].
Despite the adjusted demands, the activist maintains a firm condition for ending the fast. "I will end fast if the government assures no action against NEET protesters," Wangchuk said [2].
The protest follows an announcement made on June 25, 2026 [6], where Wangchuk warned he would begin the strike if the government failed to respond to demands for accountability. The movement has involved interactions with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, as well as attention from opposition figure Rahul Gandhi [1].
Wangchuk said, "We are now asking the government to consider the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan rather than demanding it outright" [2].
“"I will end fast if the government assures no action against NEET protesters."”
The transition from rigid demands to requests for 'consideration' and 'adequate' compensation indicates a strategic pivot by Wangchuk to provide the government a face-saving exit. By prioritizing the legal immunity of protesters over the resignation of a minister, the activist is shifting the focus from political retribution to the immediate protection of the student body.
