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Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike tests PM Modi

Webdunia | July 14, 2026 7:40 PM CST

Youth-led political pressure groupCockroach Janta Party's founder expressed grave concern on Monday night, over the deteriorating health of activist Sonam Wangchuk who is now on his 17th day of anindefinite hunger strike in New Delhi.

Wangchuk, who has lost over 8 kilograms (17.6 pounds) since he started fasting, is calling for the resignation of India's Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a leaked nation-wide enterance exam. It impacted about 2.2 million apiring medical students and led to several students committing suicide.

Wangchuk is now in a face-off of wills with a minister who sits about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) away from the protest site.

According to a statement released to the media, Wangchuk's blood sugar levels have repeatedly dropped to dangerous levels, he is experiencing constant dizziness and has visibly lost muscle mass. However, he reportedly refuses to end his fast until the government engages in dialogue with the CJP.

"Don’t ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue," Wangchuk said on Tuesday morning, as quoted by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke.

"What kind of government is this? Sonam Wangchuk belongs to this country. He has brought global recognition to India through his work. Today, he is fighting for the students of this country, yet the government has not even sent a single minister or delegation to speak with him. The government’s complete indifference is deeply unfortunate," Dipke said in the statement.

Meanwhile, CJP spokespersons urged "students, parents and citizens across India to join the peaceful march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament on 20th July alongside Sonam Wangchuk."

Why India's education minister is unlikely to resign

For months now, India's 'Cockroach' group and opposition leaders have been calling for the education minister's resignation.

Critics of Dharmendra Pradhan have argued that while the exam scandal needs a larger system overhaul, the education minister is ultimately responsible for the leaked question papers and must take accountability.

Even as students and activist indefinitely protest at Jantar Mantar, some without having eaten in days, the minister's resignation is unlikely.

In times of previous scandals and similar demands, the Bharatiya Janata Party's ministers have told reporters that this government does not support the policy of resigning.

In 2015, India's Defense Minister Rajnath Singh famously said "There will be no resignation of ministers." Another minister had chimed in saying, "Our ministers don't do what UPA ministers used to do," speaking of the opposition alliance.

It seems the BJP has not softened on this stance. In the month sof protests and backlash from students and parents, the BJP has largely ignored the Cockroach party, criticized the opposition and maintained silence with students.