Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The protest highlights growing tensions over alleged examination irregularities and the demand for ministerial accountability within the Indian government.

Wangchuk joined the demonstration on June 28, 2024 [2], aligning himself with the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and its founder, Abhijeet Dipke. The CJP protest originally began on June 20, 2024 [1]. By June 30, 2024, the demonstration had entered its 11th day [3].

The group is calling for Pradhan to step down following allegations of irregularities involving exam papers. As Wangchuk's health reportedly deteriorated during the strike, the CJP increased pressure on the administration. A CJP spokesperson said, "Dharmendra Pradhan would be directly responsible if anything happened to activist Sonam Wangchuk."

Delhi police increased their presence around the Jantar Mantar area to manage the crowds during the march. During the unrest, CJP reports indicated that founder Abhijeet Dipke was picked up by police.

Wangchuk is known for his environmental advocacy, but this action marks a specific pivot toward educational reform and government transparency. The hunger strike serves as a high-visibility tool to force a response from the Union Education Ministry regarding the integrity of national examinations.

“Dharmendra Pradhan would be directly responsible if anything happened to activist Sonam Wangchuk.”

The alignment of a high-profile figure like Sonam Wangchuk with the Cockroach Janata Party signals a broadening coalition of dissent against the current education administration. By using a hunger strike, the protesters are attempting to transform a policy dispute over exam irregularities into a humanitarian and political crisis, placing the personal health of a respected activist at the center of the demand for Minister Pradhan's resignation.