Sonam Wangchuk Continues Indefinite Fast, Urges Students and Citizens to Support Education Reform

Image Source : TDF Media

Dated 16th July 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Chief Political Editor

New Delhi | Engineer – turned education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has continued his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, saying that ending his fast without any action from the government would send a wrong message. Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak.

Several political leaders and film personalities have either visited Wangchuk or spoken to him during his fast. While appreciating his commitment towards protecting the future of students and the nation’s youth, they have appealed to him to end his hunger strike due to concerns over his health.

Dr. B R Abdul Wajid, Editor in Chief of The Deccan Front, also visited Jantar Mantar in New Delhi today to cover the ongoing protest. During his visit, he interacted with several young supporters of Sonam Wangchuk, who expressed their strong support for the movement. Many of them said they would continue to sit in protest alongside Sonam Wangchuk until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. The supporters stated that the protest would continue peacefully until their demand for accountability over the alleged examination irregularities is addressed.

In a video message shared on social media, Sonam Wangchuk said that thousands of people have sent messages requesting him to break his fast. He said many senior leaders and well-wishers have personally urged him to eat, while some have even approached the court seeking directions for the government to force-feed him.

Speaking about his health, Wangchuk said that although he has become physically weak and has lost muscle strength, his medical reports remain satisfactory. He said regular medical tests, including an ECG conducted on the 18th day of his fast, have shown normal results, and he believes he can continue the hunger strike for several more days.

Instead of asking him to end the fast, Wangchuk appealed to people across the country to take part in a large gathering on July 20. He called upon students, teachers, parents and citizens to gather in large numbers and send a strong message to the government.

He also appealed to schools, colleges and universities to observe July 20 as a day of experiential learning under the National Education Policy (NEP). According to him, students would get an opportunity to witness and understand how democracy functions by participating in a peaceful public movement.

Wangchuk said that the issue would be handed over to Members of Parliament during the July 20 gathering, expressing hope that the matter would then reach the appropriate democratic forum. He also urged supporters to register their participation by giving a missed call to 7011670115 and by registering through the campaign website.

“As Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike enters its 19th day, the protest continues to draw support from students, youth, social activists and public representatives from different parts of the country. With the proposed public gathering scheduled for July 20, all eyes are now on the Centre’s response to the demands raised over the alleged examination irregularities and the call for greater accountability in the education system.” ~ News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid from New Delhi.