Activist Sonam Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. His fast, which began on June 28, is part of a broader protest organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar, where demonstrators have been calling for Mr. Pradhan's resignation for more than 25 days.
On July 16, 2026, the Indian National Congress publicly expressed its support for Wangchuk's demands, acknowledging his concerns as shared not only by their party but also by other opposition groups. Congress leader K.C. Venugopal posted on social media platform X, urging the activist to end his fast "in view of his health condition" while assuring that the party would continue to press for the Education Minister's resignation. Venugopal highlighted that the Congress has been demanding Mr. Pradhan's resignation for over a month and a half, emphasizing their shared outrage over what they describe as a lack of accountability within the Modi government, particularly related to the collapse of the examination system.
The Congress statement underlines the party's commitment to confronting the government over this issue, reinforcing their stance that the Education Minister should be held responsible for the alleged failures in conducting NEET, India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, which is critical for admission to medical colleges across the country.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court took cognizance of Wangchuk's deteriorating health condition amid his hunger strike. On July 16, the court directed both the central and Delhi governments to ensure that the activist's medical condition is monitored closely on a daily basis. The court emphasized the importance of providing prompt medical intervention as needed to safeguard his health. The Bench observed that every citizen's life is precious and that government authorities must make all efforts to preserve it. This assurance from the Solicitor General led the court to close the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) related to the matter.
Sonam Wangchuk, renowned for his activism and engineering background, has drawn significant public attention to the issue of alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process. The protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party highlights broader concerns about transparency and fairness in the administration of national examinations. The sustained hunger strike and the extended protest at Jantar Mantar underscore the intensity of public dissatisfaction with the current handling of the NEET examination and the demand for accountability at the highest levels of government.
The NEET examination, being a pivotal test for medical aspirants across India, carries immense significance, and any perceived irregularities have far-reaching implications for students and the education system. The opposition parties, including Congress and others, have seized upon these concerns to challenge the government's handling of educational administration under Minister Pradhan.
As the situation unfolds, the government faces increasing pressure to address these allegations transparently and to ensure that the health and well-being of protesters like Wangchuk are safeguarded. The Delhi High Court's intervention signals judicial recognition of the seriousness of the issue, particularly concerning the health risks associated with prolonged hunger strikes.
In summary, the ongoing protest against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, driven by Sonam Wangchuk's 19-day hunger strike and the Cockroach Janta Party's longer demonstration, has elicited strong reactions from opposition parties and the judiciary. The Indian National Congress has expressed solidarity with Wangchuk's cause while urging him to consider his health. At the same time, the Delhi High Court has mandated continuous medical monitoring for Wangchuk, emphasizing the value of human life amidst political protest. The controversy continues to spotlight alleged systemic failures in India's examination system and the demand for ministerial accountability.