Sonam Wangchuk Initiates Hunger Strike Demanding Education Minister's Resignation

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has initiated a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, joining the Cockroach Janata Party's protest against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest, which began on June 20, calls for accountability regarding alleged irregularities in examinations, including the NEET medical entrance test. With hundreds of youth and students participating, the movement has gained significant attention, highlighting broader issues of transparency in the education system. Wangchuk's actions come amid reports of farmer leaders being detained to prevent their participation. This protest aims to address critical concerns about trust in educational processes.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 14:33 IST

Protest at Jantar Mantar

Activist Wangchuk (2nd from right) and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke (3rd from right), during the protest in Jantar Mantar, on Sunday. (Photo:PTI)

New Delhi, June 28: On Sunday, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk commenced a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been protesting since June 20. They are calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged examination irregularities.

As Wangchuk began his fast, a large crowd of protesters, primarily consisting of youth and students, gathered at the site. The protest commenced with a moment of silence lasting two minutes.

Prior to his hunger strike, Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke paid their respects at Rajghat, honoring Mahatma Gandhi.

Dipke has previously urged farmers, students, and various organizations to join the protest, emphasizing the need for accountability regarding the alleged irregularities in the examination system, particularly concerning the medical entrance test NEET.

On Sunday morning, he shared on social media that numerous farmer leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab were being placed under house arrest to hinder their arrival at Jantar Mantar.

The CJP's protest began on June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Throughout the protest, Dipke has asserted that the issue extends beyond a single examination, highlighting broader concerns regarding transparency and trust within the education system.

The demonstration has also attracted participation from students and members of civil society.