The Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike as youth-led protests continued to spread across the country. His fast was in solidarity with the Cockroach Janata party (CJP), a movement demanding government accountability over exam paper leaks that affected 2 million students and led to multiple suicides.
Why the Hunger Strike Ended
Wangchuk announced the end of his fast on Friday after receiving written assurances from the government. Key concessions included a promise to discuss examination system accountability on Parliament floor and no legal action against protesters who demonstrated in Delhi. Despite ending the hunger strike, Wangchuk urged continued pressure on the government.
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Background of the Protests
The CJP has been holding mass protests calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The exam leaks, which occurred in May, have sparked outrage and a wave of youth-led demonstrations. Protests erupted in major cities including Bengaluru, Mumbai, Nagpur, and Kolkata, with some turnouts exceeding 100,000 people.
Comparison with Gandhi's Hunger Strikes
The hunger strike has a long history in India as a powerful protest tool. Mahatma Gandhi famously used it during the independence movement. The table below compares Wangchuk's fast with Gandhi's longest hunger strike.
| Activist | Duration | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sonam Wangchuk | 26 days | 2025 | Ended with government assurances |
| Mahatma Gandhi | 21 days | 1943 | Ended with concessions during Quit India Movement |
Key Takeaways
- Hunger strike ended after 26 days with written government commitments.
- Protests continue nationwide until Education Minister resigns.
- Exam paper leaks impacted 2 million students and caused over a dozen suicides.
- CJP leaders will meet government at a neutral location to discuss demands.
- No legal cases will be filed against Monday's protesters.
Government Response and Public Reaction
Prime Minister Modi urged Wangchuk to follow doctors’ advice and regain lost weight. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked the activist for his “courage and sacrifice” and vowed to continue protests. The movement has gained momentum with support from students, educators, and civil society groups.
FAQ
Who is Sonam Wangchuk?
Sonam Wangchuk is an Indian activist known for his hunger strike in support of the Cockroach Janata party's demand for accountability over exam paper leaks.
Why did the hunger strike last 26 days?
Wangchuk fasted for 26 days to pressure the government into addressing the exam paper leaks and providing written assurances on key demands, including parliamentary discussion and immunity for protesters.
What were the exam paper leaks?
In May 2025, leaks of examination papers affected 2 million students across India, leading to widespread outrage and at least 13 student suicides. The CJP blames the Education Minister for negligence.
For the latest on this ongoing story, stay tuned to our coverage. The protests may escalate if the government fails to meet the CJP's core demand of the minister's resignation. Wangchuk's sacrifice has brought national attention to the issue, and the movement shows no signs of slowing down.
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