In a significant development, renowned Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has concluded his 26-day hunger strike which he undertook to protest the leakage of medical entrance exams and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The strike ended following a series of negotiations and assurances from Prime Minister Narendra Modi to address the issue through legal reforms.
The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) have gained momentum across India, with thousands rallying at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar and other cities. The movement has become one of the most significant challenges to Modi’s government since his re-election in 2026.
Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike and Government Response
Wangchuk, a 59-year-old educationist, began his hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the CJP, which has been advocating for educational reforms and accountability. His protest highlighted the systemic issues within the examination process, which have affected millions of students.
In a video address on X (formerly Twitter) Prime Minister Modi announced plans to introduce a tougher law to prevent exam leaks and expedite legal proceedings against those involved. He described the leaks as a matter of great pain for students but did not directly address the calls for Pradhan’s resignation.
Wangchuk’s decision to end his strike came after a long negotiation on various conditions including concerns about potential violence in the country. He stated that he would elaborate on the conditions in a separate video, indicating that the negotiations involved significant concessions.
Forcible Removal and Continued Protests
Prior to ending his strike, Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar and taken to Safdarjung Hospital on the orders of the authorities. Videos from the scene showed chaos as police and paramilitary personnel intervened, covering him with bedsheets before transporting him to the hospital.
Dr. Charu Bamba Medical Superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital, reported that Wangchuk was fully alert and stable although he was weak due to prolonged fasting and mild dehydration. Despite his frail health, Wangchuk had insisted on participating in a march to the parliament, stating, I’ve grown weak from the outside but I’m strong from within.
The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke has vowed to continue its peaceful protest until Pradhan resigns. Dipke began an indefinite fast in Wangchuk’s place and reiterated the movement’s commitment to marching to the parliament. The CJP has also demanded Modi’s resignation following the forcible removal of Wangchuk.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s Demands and Government’s Stance
The CJP emerged in May as an online satirical movement protesting against exam irregularities and has since gained substantial support on social media. The protesters, who refer to themselves as cockroaches are demanding Pradhan’s resignation, holding him morally responsible for the exam leaks that forced millions of students to retake their tests.
Pradhan has dismissed the CJP and its supporters as the B-team of disruptive elements while Modi’s government has yet to engage directly with the protesters. The movement has drawn support from various student organizations and opposition parties, who have condemned the government’s handling of the protests.
As the protests continue, the government faces increasing pressure to address the demands for educational reform and accountability. The situation remains fluid, with the CJP’s peaceful protests at Jantar Mantar serving as a focal point for the nation’s discontent over exam leaks and educational policies.
