Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day [1] hunger strike on Friday, July 14, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi [2].
The protest highlighted systemic failures in India's examination process and the public demand for accountability following multiple leaks of medical entrance exam papers.
Wangchuk ended his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Dr. Jitendra Singh, as well as leaders from the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh [2]. The activist had demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in response to the paper-leak scandals [1].
"Just now in the presence of Union Ministers Sh. JP Nadda, Dr. Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh I finally broke my fast after 26 days," Wangchuk said [2].
Reports on the specific trigger for the end of the strike vary. Some sources state the decision followed talks with government ministers [1], while others report it occurred immediately after an announcement by Prime Minister Narendra Modi regarding the paper-leak issue [3].
Throughout the protest, Wangchuk received attention from a broad political spectrum. A total of 65 members of Parliament visited the activist or signed letters urging him to end the strike [2].
Beyond the demand for a minister's resignation, Wangchuk cited a desire to maintain social stability. "I want to avert possible violence," Wangchuk said [3].
The resolution comes amid mounting pressure from students and educators who have called for a complete overhaul of the national testing agency to prevent future security breaches in high-stakes professional exams [1].
“"I finally broke my fast after 26 days,"”
The conclusion of Wangchuk's strike marks a temporary reprieve in tensions between the Indian government and the student community. While the government provided assurances and high-level ministerial engagement to end the fast, the core demand for the Education Minister's resignation remains a point of contention. The event underscores the volatility of India's competitive exam system and the role of high-profile activists in forcing government responses to administrative failures.
