Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike Over NEET Leak Enters 16th Day

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has reiterated that the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar over the alleged NEET-UG question paper leak is not politically motivated, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond with sensitivity to the concerns being raised. Wangchuk, who entered the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Monday, said the movement is aimed at ensuring accountability and restoring public confidence in the country's education system. The protest has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Speaking to The Indian Express Hindi, Wangchuk said the platform has "no political colour" and appealed to the Prime Minister to listen to what he described as the "voice of the people." He maintained that the protest is focused on safeguarding the interests of students and strengthening transparency in competitive examinations rather than advancing any political agenda. According to Wangchuk, public institutions must respond to legitimate concerns through dialogue and accountability.

Referring to the demand for the Education Minister's resignation, Wangchuk said that accountability should not end with a resignation alone. "A resignation, or accountability, is merely the starting point. The door must then open to determine the right course of action," he said. He argued that fixing responsibility is only the first step and should be followed by a comprehensive examination of the issues that led to the controversy, along with reforms aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future.

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The activist also called on the Prime Minister to adopt a more empathetic approach towards the protesters and avoid remaining inflexible on the issue. Stressing the importance of democratic engagement, Wangchuk said governments should remain open to public feedback, particularly when concerns involve the future of students and the credibility of national-level examinations. He added that constructive dialogue is essential for resolving disputes and rebuilding trust among aspirants and their families.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has continued to draw attention as participants seek greater accountability over the alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process. Demonstrators have argued that any compromise in the integrity of entrance examinations directly affects lakhs of students competing for higher education opportunities. The indefinite hunger strike has become the central feature of the campaign, with supporters calling for institutional reforms alongside action against those found responsible.

The NEET-UG paper leak controversy has sparked widespread debate across the country over examination security, transparency and the need for stronger safeguards in recruitment and admission processes. While the government has taken steps to address concerns surrounding examination irregularities, the protesters maintain that more comprehensive reforms are necessary. Wangchuk's appeal adds to the growing calls for accountability and systemic improvements aimed at protecting the credibility of India's competitive examination framework.

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