Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurances

Cockroach Janata Party and Minister Dharmendra Pradhan

Wangchuk, who had lost approximately 11 kilograms during the course of the hunger strike, had been protesting in support of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), a youth-led movement that emerged in May. The movement, which uses the term “cockroach” to describe its members, has been a visible sign of public dissatisfaction with the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which has been in power since 2014. The group’s primary demand remains the resignation of Minister Pradhan, whom they hold morally responsible for the leak of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) papers, which led to the cancellation of the medical entrance exam earlier that month.

The situation escalated significantly on July 18, when police forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and admitted him to a hospital. It was there, in the presence of his family members, medical professionals, and leaders of the Leh-Ladakh Apex Body, that he finally broke his fast. Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present at the hospital to meet with Wangchuk, where they personally fed him juice to mark the end of the strike. During the visit, Wangchuk expressed his deep gratitude to his wife, Geetanjali, for her support throughout the ordeal.

Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Negotiations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and fast-track courts

The government’s response involved high-level negotiations and specific policy promises. Union Minister J.P. Nadda articulated several positive steps the government is prepared to take, including the establishment of “fast-track” courts to expedite legal proceedings concerning exam paper leaks. Furthermore, the government has committed to reviewing systemic education reforms and providing appropriate compensation to the families of students who died by suicide due to the distress caused by the paper leaks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue on July 24, describing the leaks as extremely painful and confirming that arrests of the perpetrators have already been made. He stated that the government intends to introduce a bill regarding fast-track courts in Parliament the following week to minimize further academic disruption for students.

Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized After 21-Day Hunger Strike Over NEET Irregularities

Despite the end of the hunger strike, the CJP’s broader protest remains active. While CJP founder Abhijit Dip expressed relief and gratitude for Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast, he clarified that the student organization’s peaceful sit-in at Jantar Mantar would continue until the resignation of Minister Pradhan is secured. Tensions remain high in Delhi, particularly following a police operation on Monday during a march toward Parliament, which resulted in injuries to numerous students and police personnel.

Throughout the protest, Wangchuk remained a staunch advocate for non-violence. In a post shared earlier in the day, he expressed distress over reports that antisocial elements were attempting to exploit the peaceful movement to incite violence. He urged his supporters to prioritize peace, stating, Peace and only peace is my path. Although the protest at Jantar Mantar is peaceful, I have learned with great sadness that some antisocial elements are trying to take advantage of this peaceful movement to spread violence elsewhere.

Cockroach Janta Party Protest in Delhi Ends in Violence

Wangchuk further emphasized the philosophy of his movement, remarking, Whatever the opponent does, our reaction must be only flowers. Please maintain this tradition at any cost.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent a message via social media on the night of July 24, wishing Wangchuk a swift recovery and urging him to follow medical advice to restore his health and weight. As of the latest reports, while the specific promise of immunity from legal action for the protesters has been established, the political impasse regarding the Education Minister’s tenure persists, and the demonstrations in the capital continue.