CJP Protest Day 33: Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Enters Day 25
New Delhi | July 17, 2026 Climate reformer Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike enters Day 25 at Jantar Mantar, Delhi. The 59-year-old activist has lost more than 9kg on his salt-and-water fast. Amid growing solidarity from opposition figures like Arvind Kejriwal and Omar Abdullah, the Delhi High Court has directed the federal government to monitor Wangchuk's health status and provide immediate medical intervention if needed.
What Happened
New Delhi | July 17, 2026 — Activist Sonam Wangchuk has refused to end his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar despite mounting concerns over his failing health. Now on Day 25 of his protest, the 59-year-old educationist has lost over 9 kilograms by consuming only water and salt. "I've grown weak from the outside but I'm strong from within," Wangchuk told crowds of cheering students. He urged the public to join the peaceful march to Parliament organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) on Monday, July 20, joking that even if he did not survive until then, his "ghost would join the march." Support for the fast has escalated rapidly. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the protest site on Thursday, appealing to the government to initiate a dialogue with the students. Kejriwal noted that annual paper leaks are destroying the future of the youth and suggested that Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan be replaced by Wangchuk. Additionally, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah called for compassion, comparing the government's silence to the UPA's willingness to engage with Anna Hazare during his 2011 fast. On the legal front, the Delhi High Court heard a petition on Thursday and ordered the central government to conduct regular health checkups on Wangchuk and guarantee immediate medical treatment. The CJP continues to demand the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over the massive NEET-UG examination leaks and subsequent cancellations.
Why It Matters
Sonam Wangchuk's participation bridges the gap between student protests and mainstream civic advocacy. His worsening health, combined with High Court intervention and high-profile visits from regional leaders, has turned a student-led campaign into a nationwide debate on ministerial accountability and systemic competitive testing overhaul.
Timeline
- June 28, 2026: Sonam Wangchuk begins his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar. - July 16, 2026: Arvind Kejriwal and Omar Abdullah join student groups at Jantar Mantar in solidarity; Delhi High Court mandates regular health checkups. - July 17, 2026 (Today): The hunger strike enters Day 25 with Wangchuk down by 9kg, pledging to lead the July 20 Parliament march.
Background & Context
The protest was sparked by paper leak scandals and the cancellation of major national competitive examinations. The Cockroach Janta Party mobilized youth nationwide before launching a sit-in at Jantar Mantar. Their primary demand is the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alongside court-monitored examination reforms.
Key People Involved
- Sonam Wangchuk: Education reformer and climate activist on Day 20 of fast. - Arvind Kejriwal: AAP leader who visited the protest site and demanded Pradhan's replacement. - Omar Abdullah: J&K Chief Minister who criticized the lack of official dialogue. - Abhijeet Dipke: CJP Founder managing the ground protests and updates. - Dharmendra Pradhan: Union Education Minister whose resignation is being sought.
Public & Political Reaction
Kejriwal's visit and the High Court's health order have drawn immense national attention. Social media campaigns calling for student justice have spiked, while opposition parties have vowed to raise the examination paper leaks on the very first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.
Future Implications
The upcoming July 20 march on the opening day of the Monsoon Session could lead to severe legislative pressure on the ruling government, potentially forcing official debates or administrative restructuring in competitive testing boards.
Official Statement
"I've grown weak from the outside but I'm strong from within. Together, we will march peacefully to the parliament and put forward our petitions at the altar of democracy." — Sonam Wangchuk
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Q.Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
- Sonam Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations, and to call for systemic testing reforms.
- Q.How many days has the protest and hunger strike been active?
- As of July 17, 2026, the Cockroach Janta Party's protest is on Day 33, and Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike is on Day 25.
- Q.What is the health status of Sonam Wangchuk?
- According to medical updates from Day 25, Sonam Wangchuk has lost over 9 kg since beginning his fast, prompting the Delhi High Court to order regular health monitoring and medical treatment.