Archive · 21 Jul 2026
Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Ends Amid Government Resistance
Sonam Wangchuk and other activists went on a hunger strike to demand the resignation of the education minister.
They were upset because the minister didn't stop cheating in an important exam called NEET.
The government canceled the exam, which affected over 20 lakh students and their families.
Some students even took their own lives because of the stress.
The government then gave the exam papers to the Indian Air Force to prevent cheating, but they still didn't remove the minister.
The protesters say the government is not allowing peaceful protests, and they believe their protest is making a difference.
The government, however, refuses to remove the minister, which the protesters think is unfair.
Activists, including Sonam Wangchuk, demanded the education minister's resignation due to corruption in the NEET exam.
The government canceled the NEET exam after it was leaked, affecting over 20 lakh students and their families.
Twelve students reportedly took their own lives due to the stress caused by the exam cancellation and retest.
The government assigned the Indian Air Force to distribute exam papers to prevent leaks, but did not remove the education minister.
The protesters argue that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but the government has increasingly restricted protest areas and suppressed demonstrations.
- Who
- Sonam Wangchuk and other activists, including the Cockroach Janta Party, along with affected students and their families.
- What
- A hunger strike protest demanding the resignation of the education minister due to corruption and incompetence in handling the NEET exam scandal.
- When
- The protest was ongoing for weeks before being scuttled by the government.
- Where
- Designated protest areas in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and New Delhi.
- Why
- To hold the education minister accountable for the NEET exam scandal, which led to the cancellation of the exam and affected over 20 lakh students.
Protesters
Government
Education Minister's Resignation
Protesters
The protesters demand the resignation of the education minister due to corruption and incompetence in handling the NEET exam scandal.
Government
The government refuses to remove the education minister, despite the scandal and public outcry.
Right to Protest
Protesters
Protesters argue that peaceful protest is a fundamental right and should be allowed without restrictions.
Government
The government has increasingly restricted peaceful protests, designating specific areas and often suppressing them.
- Number of Students Affected
- Over 20 lakh
- Number of Suicides Reported
- 12
- Protest Location
- Designated areas like Azad Maidan, Freedom Park, and Jantar Mantar
- Protest Duration
- Weeks-long
- Government's Response
- Refused to remove the education minister
- Protesters' Demand
- Resignation of the education minister