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| Sonam Wangchuk |
The historic grounds of Jantar Mantar in New Delhi have become the epicentre of a mounting political storm. What began as a student-led satirical movement has now escalated into a high-stakes battle over the future of India's education system. On Sunday, climate activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, joining the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .
The movement, which has been ongoing for over a week, has galvanized support from students, farmers, ex-servicemen, and families of aspirants affected by the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The movement, which has been ongoing for over a week, has galvanized support from students, farmers, ex-servicemen, and families of aspirants affected by the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
The Catalyst: A Demand for Accountability
The core of the protest lies in the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam, one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in the country. Allegations of a paper leak threw the examination into turmoil, leading to its cancellation and a subsequent re-test on June 21 .
For the protesters, however, the re-test did little to quell the anger. They argue that the issue is no longer about a single paper leak but about a systemic failure within the educational framework . The demand is clear: accountability. The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, insisting that Minister Pradhan must take responsibility for the chaos and resign.
The core of the protest lies in the controversy surrounding the NEET-UG exam, one of the most competitive medical entrance tests in the country. Allegations of a paper leak threw the examination into turmoil, leading to its cancellation and a subsequent re-test on June 21 .
For the protesters, however, the re-test did little to quell the anger. They argue that the issue is no longer about a single paper leak but about a systemic failure within the educational framework . The demand is clear: accountability. The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke, has been staging a sit-in at Jantar Mantar since June 20, insisting that Minister Pradhan must take responsibility for the chaos and resign.
Sonam Wangchuk Joins the Fray: "Why I am Fasting"
The arrival of Sonam Wangchuk has injected a new level of intensity into the protest. Before commencing his fast, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi . Addressing the crowd, Wangchuk articulated his reasons for joining the movement.
"I have been forced to sit here, I am not doing this happily," Wangchuk stated. He explained that education has been close to his heart for the last 40 years, and he could not remain silent when the youth are raising concerns about a system that is failing them . He emphasized that no developed nation has achieved progress without investing in quality education, warning that India cannot become a "Viksit Bharat" without strengthening its education system .
Wangchuk insists that his hunger strike will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, viewing it as the first step towards a necessary course correction .
The arrival of Sonam Wangchuk has injected a new level of intensity into the protest. Before commencing his fast, Wangchuk, along with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi . Addressing the crowd, Wangchuk articulated his reasons for joining the movement.
"I have been forced to sit here, I am not doing this happily," Wangchuk stated. He explained that education has been close to his heart for the last 40 years, and he could not remain silent when the youth are raising concerns about a system that is failing them . He emphasized that no developed nation has achieved progress without investing in quality education, warning that India cannot become a "Viksit Bharat" without strengthening its education system .
Wangchuk insists that his hunger strike will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, viewing it as the first step towards a necessary course correction .
A United Front: Farmers and Students Rally
The protest has transcended the boundaries of student politics, drawing support from a wide spectrum of society. Several farmer leaders and members of khap panchayats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have joined the agitation . Om Prakash Dhankar, Sarva Khap Panchayat convener, drew parallels between the education system and the earlier protests against controversial farm laws, alleging that the current government serves corporate interests .
However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities are attempting to stifle the movement. In a post on X, Dipke claimed that approximately 500 farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh had been placed under "house arrest" to prevent them from joining the protest in Delhi . Despite these alleged restrictions, a significant number of supporters have managed to reach Jantar Mantar.
The protest has transcended the boundaries of student politics, drawing support from a wide spectrum of society. Several farmer leaders and members of khap panchayats from Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Punjab have joined the agitation . Om Prakash Dhankar, Sarva Khap Panchayat convener, drew parallels between the education system and the earlier protests against controversial farm laws, alleging that the current government serves corporate interests .
However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that authorities are attempting to stifle the movement. In a post on X, Dipke claimed that approximately 500 farmers from Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh had been placed under "house arrest" to prevent them from joining the protest in Delhi . Despite these alleged restrictions, a significant number of supporters have managed to reach Jantar Mantar.
The Human Cost: Beyond Politics
The anger at Jantar Mantar is also fueled by deep personal grief. Protesters have highlighted the alleged suicide of students who were unable to cope with the uncertainty and pressure of the examination controversies . CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide ₹1 crore in compensation to the families of these students, stating that the blood of those students is on the Minister’s hands .
The movement has also become a platform for other grievances. The family of Amaira, a Class 6 student who died in an alleged suicide case in Jaipur, joined the protest seeking justice, alleging inaction by the authorities .
The anger at Jantar Mantar is also fueled by deep personal grief. Protesters have highlighted the alleged suicide of students who were unable to cope with the uncertainty and pressure of the examination controversies . CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to provide ₹1 crore in compensation to the families of these students, stating that the blood of those students is on the Minister’s hands .
The movement has also become a platform for other grievances. The family of Amaira, a Class 6 student who died in an alleged suicide case in Jaipur, joined the protest seeking justice, alleging inaction by the authorities .
Political Repercussions and the Road Ahead
The protest has not gone unnoticed by the political establishment. The Congress party has announced a 40-day programme of outreach and protests, culminating in a "Delhi Chalo" march if the demand for Pradhan’s removal is not met . Leaders from various opposition parties and civil society activists, including Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, have visited the site to express solidarity .
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters a critical phase, with reports of his health deteriorating, the pressure on the government is intensifying . Abhijeet Dipke has warned the Centre that it will be held responsible if anything happens to Wangchuk .
With the government showing no signs of yielding to the demand for Pradhan's resignation, Jantar Mantar is likely to remain a focal point of dissent. The movement, born out of a satirical "cockroach" rebellion, has become a serious test for the government's handling of education policy and student unrest.
The protest has not gone unnoticed by the political establishment. The Congress party has announced a 40-day programme of outreach and protests, culminating in a "Delhi Chalo" march if the demand for Pradhan’s removal is not met . Leaders from various opposition parties and civil society activists, including Yogendra Yadav and Prashant Bhushan, have visited the site to express solidarity .
As Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters a critical phase, with reports of his health deteriorating, the pressure on the government is intensifying . Abhijeet Dipke has warned the Centre that it will be held responsible if anything happens to Wangchuk .
With the government showing no signs of yielding to the demand for Pradhan's resignation, Jantar Mantar is likely to remain a focal point of dissent. The movement, born out of a satirical "cockroach" rebellion, has become a serious test for the government's handling of education policy and student unrest.
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