🔥 Trending Sonam Wangchuk's Protest and Demands Explained

Sonam Wangchuk's protest is primarily a hunger strike aimed at demanding the resignation of India's Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, following a significant paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) ³⁵⁸. His protest has also broadened to include long-standing constitutional demands for Ladakh ⁵.

Background of the Protest

Sonam Wangchuk, an Indian activist and educationist, began an indefinite hunger strike on June 28, 2026, at Jantar Mantar in Delhi ³⁷. The protest is organized by the Cockroach Janta Party, with Wangchuk serving as a prominent figurehead ³⁸.

Key Demands

• Resignation of Education Minister: The central demand of Wangchuk's current hunger strike is the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to the NEET paper leak scandal ³⁵. This issue has become a national political flashpoint ⁵.
• Ladakh's Constitutional Demands: Beyond the NEET issue, Wangchuk's protest also encompasses demands related to Ladakh's constitutional protection. These demands include:
• Implementation of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for Ladakh to protect its fragile ecosystem and indigenous culture ⁵.
• Statehood for Ladakh.
• Separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.
• Formation of a Public Service Commission for Ladakh ⁵.

Health and Public Response

As of July 17, 2026, Wangchuk's hunger strike had entered its 20th day, during which he had been consuming only water ²⁴⁷. His health significantly deteriorated, with reports indicating a loss of over 8 kilograms and a medical team continuously monitoring his condition ²⁴⁹.

On July 17, 2026, after 20 days of protesting, Delhi Police forcibly removed Wangchuk from his protest site at Jantar Mantar and took him to a hospital ¹⁷. This action sparked further concern and drew criticism. Despite his deteriorating health and calls from various quarters to end his fast, Wangchuk has resisted, stating he would not stop until the Education Minister resigns ⁸¹⁰.

The protest has garnered significant public and political support, with various personalities, including actors Anurag Kashyap, Abhay Deol, and Swara Bhaskar, rallying behind him ⁶. Opposition parties have also voiced their support as his hunger strike continued ⁴.