Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike After Government Assurances; CJP Protest at Jantar Mantar Continues
New Delhi, 24th July 2026: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day indefinite hunger strike late Thursday night after receiving written assurances from the Centre on key demands linked to the nationwide protest over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh visited Medanta Hospital in Gurugram at around 12:30 am, where Nadda offered Wangchuk a glass of juice, formally ending his fast. Wangchuk had been admitted to Medanta after his health deteriorated during the prolonged hunger strike.
Despite Wangchuk calling off his fast, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been spearheading the agitation, announced that its protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke welcomed Wangchuk’s decision to end the fast but reiterated that the movement would not end until their primary demand is met.
Friday marks the 35th day of the protest at Jantar Mantar, where thousands of demonstrators remain camped. During the night, some protesters reportedly breached police barricades on Parliament Street, escalating tensions in the national capital. CJP has also called for nationwide demonstrations on Friday.
Wangchuk cites violence concerns
In a post on X, Wangchuk said that 65 Members of Parliament from various political parties had appealed to him to end the hunger strike. He added that after extensive discussions, agreement on certain conditions, and concerns over the possibility of violence across the country, he decided to end his fast.
Conditions for ending the hunger strike
According to Leh Apex Body co-convenor Tsering Dorjay Lakruk, Wangchuk agreed to end the hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the government on two key issues:
Cases registered against students would be withdrawn if they were not involved in violent incidents.
The government would consider providing compensation to the families of those who allegedly died by suicide in connection with the paper leak issue.
Wangchuk had begun his indefinite fast on June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest demanding accountability in the alleged NEET paper leak case and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta Hospital on July 21 after his condition worsened.
Metro stations closed, security tightened
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that 17 metro stations would remain closed from 7:30 am on Friday until further orders due to the ongoing protests. However, interchange facilities remain available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations.
Major bureaucratic reshuffle
In a separate development, the Centre announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle late Thursday night, transferring and promoting 17 senior officers. Among the key changes, IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar has been appointed Secretary, Department of Higher Education, replacing Vineet Joshi, while T.K. Anil Kumar has been appointed Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy.
PM Modi wishes Wangchuk a speedy recovery
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a post on X, urged Wangchuk to follow the advice of doctors and wished him a speedy recovery.
“I request Sonam ji to follow the doctors’ advice and regain his health soon. I pray for his good health,” the Prime Minister said.
Talks between government and CJP likely today
CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said the government has agreed to hold talks at a neutral venue, with a meeting scheduled at the Constitution Club of India on Friday afternoon. The CJP delegation is expected to discuss its demands with government representatives while continuing its peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.
