Source The print
NEW DELHI — Prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk broke his 26-day fast at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, following intensive negotiations with top political leadership and written assurances from the Union government. The hunger strike—sparked in solidarity with student demonstrations over the NEET-UG paper leak controversy—ended in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, alongside leaders of the Leh Apex Body.
While student groups and political allies expressed immediate relief regarding Wangchuk’s health, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), leading the student agitation at Jantar Mantar, emphasized that the broader struggle remains far from over. Party leadership affirmed that their nationwide, peaceful protests will persist until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan steps down.
A Hard-Fought Bargain: What the Government Promised
Wangchuk, who lost over 11 kilograms during the nearly month-long fast, described the outcome as a “hard bargain” reached after two days of delicate bargaining. Taking to social media platform X, the activist declared the moment as the “END OF HUNGER… BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY!”
The key points of the Centre’s written commitment read out during the hospital meeting include:
Parliamentary Debate: The government committed to threadbare discussions during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament to tackle examination paper leaks and overhaul testing infrastructure.
No Cases Against Peaceful Protesters: A clear undertaking that no legal cases will be registered against individuals participating in peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar or during the July 20 ‘Sansad Chalo’ march.
Victim Family Compensation: Positive consideration toward compensating families of students who tragically died by suicide following the NEET paper leaks.
Strict Anti-Leak Legislation: Introduction of a comprehensive Bill establishing fast-track courts and severe penalties for individuals involved in exam malpractices.
Following the development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi publicly prayed for Wangchuk’s recovery, urging him to follow medical advice and regain his health as soon as possible.
Relief at the Bedside, Determination in the Streets
The announcement brought immense personal relief to Wangchuk’s supporters and family. Visuals from Medanta Hospital showed Union Minister J.P. Nadda offering Wangchuk his first sip from a cup to break the fast, flanked by his wife, Gitanjali Angmo.
Addressing concerns over growing unrest across the country, Wangchuk stressed that preventing potential violence was a central factor in accepting the government’s formal assurances.
“Peace and only peace is my way… I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere.”
— Sonam Wangchuk, in an appeal to student groups nationwide
Despite Wangchuk stepping down from his hunger strike, the political temperature in the capital remains high. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke issued a statement acknowledging Wangchuk’s sacrifice while reiterating the party’s unwavering core demand.
“We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days… Your life is far too precious to this country. But the Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.”
— Abhijeet Dipke, Founder, CJP
The Unresolved Standoff
The core issue—rebuilding public trust in India’s competitive exam ecosystem—continues to fuel tensions between student leadership and the Union government. The CJP maintains that systemic accountability requires high-level ministerial responsibility, making Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s exit non-negotiable for their platform.
While Union MoS Jitendra Singh noted that government doors remain wide open for direct discussions with student delegates, the CJP spokesperson Saurav Das emphasized that any formal dialogue should take place at a public or neutral venue like Jantar Mantar or the Constitution Club.
With the Monsoon Session underway, all eyes now turn to Parliament to see how swiftly the promised anti-paper leak legislation moves and whether political consensus can bring an end to the street demonstrations.
