Political Turmoil Erupts Amid NEET Paper Leak Protests
The ongoing protests regarding the NEET paper leak have escalated into a significant political crisis, with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan facing calls for resignation. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike, was recently transferred to Medanta Hospital. As tensions rise, opposition parties are demanding accountability from the government, while the Cockroach People's Party continues its protests at Jantar Mantar. This situation highlights the intersection of education, health, and political accountability in India.
| Jul 22, 2026, 09:08 IST
Significant Developments in Education and Health Sectors
In the wake of protests surrounding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and the NEET paper leak controversy, a notable political and social event unfolded. On Tuesday, Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office, Jitendra Singh, visited climate activist and activist Sonam Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. This meeting occurred as the 'Cockroach People's Party' (CJP) protest against the alleged NEET paper leak and calls for Pradhan's resignation entered its 32nd day at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.
This development followed an announcement by CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, stating that there would be no further negotiations with the government. Addressing protesters late Monday night at Jantar Mantar, Dipke insisted that anyone wishing to engage in dialogue must come to the protest site.
Wangchuk Transferred to Medanta Hospital
Wangchuk, who began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, was discharged from Safdarjung Hospital on Tuesday evening, complying with a directive from the Delhi High Court, and was subsequently transferred to Medanta Hospital for further treatment. The High Court had ordered his immediate transfer following a petition filed by his wife, Geetanjali Angmo.
Wangchuk was brought to Medanta Hospital around 7:30 PM under tight security. An official from the hospital confirmed that he was admitted to ICU 8 under the care of internal medicine specialist Dr. Sushila Kataria.
Despite being moved from Safdarjung Hospital, the activist continued his hunger strike, as thousands of students and supporters returned to Jantar Mantar to resume their movement following violent clashes during the Parliament march.
After clashes with Delhi police during the 'March to Parliament' on Monday, over 5,000 protesters reoccupied the protest site at Jantar Mantar. Organizers from the Cockroach People's Party (CJP) announced that the protests would continue indefinitely, although they decided to postpone plans to march towards Parliament, citing excessive police force faced by participants during Monday's demonstration. The CJP, which emerged as a spontaneous movement against paper leaks and alleged irregularities in the examination system, has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20, intensifying after activist Sonam Wangchuk and a group of students associated with the leftist organization AISA joined the hunger strike.
Political Reactions to the NEET Controversy
The alleged NEET paper leak has ignited a political storm, dominating discussions both in Parliament and on the streets. Opposition parties have intensified their attacks on the government, demanding a thorough discussion and accountability on the issue in Parliament.
While the government claims it is prepared for a debate on the matter in both houses, opposition leaders have staged protests outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence in Delhi, calling for his resignation.
However, the government has emphasized its commitment to taking strict action against the alleged irregularities, while accusing the opposition of politicizing the issue and misleading the public.