Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Jantar Mantar is gaining national attention as his indefinite hunger strike continues over alleged examination irregularities. Political visits, health concerns and a planned Parliament march have increased pressure for a government response.
Sonam Wangchuk Protest Draws Wider Attention
Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar has begun attracting wider public, political and social media attention as concerns increase over his health.
Wangchuk began fasting on June 28, 2026, in support of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party movement. The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged competitive examination paper leaks, along with wider reforms to improve transparency and accountability in the examination system.
By Thursday, July 16, the hunger strike had entered its 19th day. Medical reports indicated that Wangchuk had lost more than nine kilograms, prompting the Delhi High Court to direct authorities to monitor his health regularly and take action based on medical advice if his condition deteriorated.
Political Support Increases Protest Visibility
The agitation gained further momentum after former Delhi chief minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar. Kejriwal supported the demand for accountability over examination controversies and called for Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation.
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait and hundreds of farmers also joined the demonstration, while public figures and civil society members appealed to the government to begin talks with the protesters. The growing participation has helped the movement expand beyond its original social media base and attract broader national attention. The government had not publicly accepted the demand for the education minister’s resignation at the time of publication. However, continuing concern over Wangchuk’s health could increase pressure for dialogue.
Revanth Reddy Visit Remains Unconfirmed
Reports suggested that Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy could travel to New Delhi within the following few days to meet Wangchuk and express support for the protest. Such a visit could give the agitation additional political significance because Revanth Reddy is a serving chief minister and a prominent Congress leader. However, the initial report stated that official confirmation of the proposed visit was still awaited. Until an announcement is issued by the Telangana Chief Minister’s Office or the Congress leadership, the reported visit should be treated as a possibility rather than a confirmed programme.
Parliament March Could Test Movement’s Strength
The Cockroach Janta Party has announced a march towards Parliament on Monday, July 20, 2026. Organisers have invited students, parents and supporters to participate in the demonstration demanding examination reforms and political accountability. The march could become an important test of whether the movement can convert its strong online following into sustained public participation. Wangchuk has indicated that he intends to continue supporting the campaign despite his weakening health. The coming days will determine whether political endorsements, public concern and the Parliament march lead to formal discussions with the central government or further intensify the protest.
