Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has begun an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, joining an ongoing protest demanding greater accountability and transparency in the country’s examination system.
Wangchuk joined the demonstration organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting since June 20. The group is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national-level examinations and is calling for wider reforms to restore public confidence in the education system.
Before starting his fast, Wangchuk visited Rajghat with CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Addressing supporters, he said he was compelled to join the protest because education has remained close to his heart for decades. He stressed that the movement was not limited to examination issues but was about ensuring fairness, accountability and equal opportunities for students across the country.
The protest has drawn participation from students, civil society members and social activists. Organisers say their demands extend beyond a single examination and seek structural reforms to improve transparency, credibility and trust in India’s education system.
As Wangchuk’s hunger strike entered its second day, organisers alleged that basic facilities at the protest site, including sanitation arrangements, had been restricted. The claims have added to the attention surrounding the demonstration, although authorities have not publicly responded to all the allegations.
The organisers have said the hunger strike will continue until the government responds to their demands.
