Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 23 after the government promised no legal action against Jantar Mantar protesters [1], [2].
The conclusion of the fast marks a critical juncture in the protests against alleged exam-paper leaks and the demand for government accountability. It reflects the pressure placed on the administration by a high-profile hunger strike that drew significant national attention.
Wangchuk began his fast on June 28 [3]. The protest focused on the demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broader accountability regarding examination integrity [1], [2].
The strike concluded late Thursday night and early Friday morning at Gurugram’s Medanta Hospital [2], [4]. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met with Wangchuk to facilitate the end of the fast [1], [2].
In a video message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government would take strict action and ensure that no legal steps are taken against the Jantar Mantar protesters [2].
Wangchuk said, "It is the end of my hunger, but the beginning of accountability" [1]. He also noted that 65 Members of Parliament had visited him or signed letters urging him to break the fast [4].
The protest activities were centered in the Jantar Mantar area of Delhi [4]. While the fast has ended, the underlying demands for systemic reform in the education sector remain a point of contention between the activists and the state.
“It is the end of my hunger, but the beginning of accountability.”
The government's decision to grant immunity to protesters suggests a tactical move to de-escalate public unrest without immediately granting the primary demand for a ministerial resignation. By involving high-ranking ministers and the Prime Minister, the administration sought to resolve a volatile situation that had gained significant legislative and public momentum.
