Sonam Wangchuk launches hunger strike in Delhi demanding education minister’s resignation
On 28 June 2026, climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, joining the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest that started on 20 June. The demonstrators – largely students, youth and farmer leaders – are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper‑leaks in competitive examinations such as NEET.
Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before the fast began. Wangchuk told supporters, “When there is no accountability, we are forced to take the only way possible in a democracy – peaceful protest.” The CJP alleged that Delhi police cut off water and sanitation facilities at the protest site after Wangchuk arrived.
The protest also amplified other grievances, including the family of Amaira, a student who died in a school accident, describing the incident as “murder by the school”. Ladakhi groups publicly distanced themselves from Wangchuk’s decision, calling it a personal choice. Wangchuk appealed for nationwide support, urging people to organise one‑day hunger strikes in their own towns to press for education reforms and environmental protection in Ladakh.
The demand for Minister Pradhan’s resignation remains unmet, and the protest continues to draw large crowds and media attention.