Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike Enters 17th Day Amid Calls for Cessation

Prominent Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, with his health deteriorating significantly. The fast, which commenced on 28 June, is conducted in solidarity with the Gen Z-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and demands the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following major exam paper leaks that affected millions of students.

Wangchuk, 59, told Reuters he was too weak to speak, having previously stated the fast could last six weeks unless he died first. The CJP reported on X that Wangchuk had lost 8.5kg of weight as of Tuesday, noting his health continues to decline. A young person also on hunger strike at the site fainted on Monday and was taken to hospital.

The protest marks a rare show of defiance against Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration. The CJP, founded by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, gained 22 million Instagram followers within days of its establishment in May. Dipke stated that Wangchuk is asking supporters to keep preparing for a march to parliament on 20 July, adding that he feels the government wants the protesters to die.

Opposition leaders and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke have urged Wangchuk to end the strike. Former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav posted on X describing Wangchuk’s life as invaluable, citing his profound commitment to humanity and democracy. Despite these appeals, Dipke said Wangchuk remains adamant to continue the fast.

The unrest stems from exam paper leaks in May that led to the cancellation of a medical college examination taken by 2.3 million candidates, which was eventually held last month. The incident has heightened frustrations among young Indians, particularly given that unemployment stands at nearly 10 percent for those aged 15 to 29. Education Minister Pradhan, his ministry, and the government’s chief spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment.