Wangchuk Ceases Hunger Strike as Education Minister Pradhan Resigns Over NEET Scandal
Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day fast following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The move comes amid a government pledge to address systemic exam failures and protect student protesters from legal retaliation.
A Shift from Accountability to Educational Reform
Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk signaled a victory for grassroots advocacy following the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on July 25, 2026. Wangchuk, who supported the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) in their month-long demonstration, ended his 26-day hunger strike from a hospital bed. He characterized the development as a success for peace and persistence, noting that the national dialogue must now transition from assigning blame to implementing structural reforms.
Deadlock Broken by Government Concessions
The fast concluded after the administration provided specific assurances to the protesters. The government committed to facilitating a formal parliamentary discussion regarding the NEET-UG paper leak. Furthermore, officials promised that student demonstrators would face no legal repercussions and that the families of students who committed suicide following the examination irregularities would receive compensation.
Pradhan Steps Down Amid Exam Integrity Crisis
Dharmendra Pradhan announced his departure just hours before a scheduled third round of negotiations with the CJP. In a two-page statement shared via social media, Pradhan admitted he was saddened by the events following the May 3, 2026, NEET-UG exam, which required rescheduling to June 21 due to security breaches. Pradhan stated he took full responsibility for the situation, asserting his intent was to protect meritorious students from the influence of an "exam mafia."
Unresolved Demands and Future Protests
While the CJP celebrated the resignation as a landmark for student power, founder Abhijeet Dipke indicated that the group's activities would continue. The organization maintains that several core demands remain unaddressed, including:
- Payment of Rs 1 crore in compensation to the families of students lost to suicide.
- A formal apology from the Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force for their treatment of protesters.
- Legal immunity for all students involved in the movement.
The CJP remains active, stating that the resignation of the minister fulfills only the first of their primary objectives in seeking justice for the 2026 academic cohort.
Source: NDTV Trending
