New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk has defended his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike without securing the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying his foremost concern was protecting protesting students from legal action following the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)‘s ‘Sansad Chalo’ march over alleged examination irregularities.
The 59-year-old environmentalist ended his indefinite fast shortly after midnight on Thursday after the Centre provided a written assurance that no cases would be registered against peaceful protesters. The government also committed to holding a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and paper leaks and said it was positively considering compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET paper leak controversy.
Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in solidarity with members of the satirical political group CJP, who have been demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system, and the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.
‘Students Should Not Suffer’
After facing criticism for ending his protest without the minister’s resignation, Wangchuk released a 24-minute video from his hospital bed explaining his decision.
“I don’t consider it essential for me to personally bring about this resignation,” he said.
Calling the resignation issue a “trivial matter” for the Centre, Wangchuk argued that the government was already paying a heavy political price.
“Their reputation is being tarnished nationwide, and people are angry and filled with hatred,” he said.
Expressing confidence that the issue would eventually resolve itself, Wangchuk added:
“I knew that they (Centre) wouldn’t be able to hold out for long this way and would submit the resignation sooner or later. I knew the resignation issue would resolve itself quickly since they were the ones suffering the consequences, so I didn’t press too hard on that.”
He reiterated that his priority remained safeguarding students.
“My focus was that students should not suffer. My main concern was legal action and FIRs. I did not think it was necessary for me personally to secure the minister’s resignation.”
He added that the broader movement would continue pursuing the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation.
Rejects ‘Deal’ Allegations
Wangchuk also rejected allegations that he had reached a compromise with the Centre to end his hunger strike.
“Last night around midnight, I was told the ministers had agreed to give the assurance in writing. I was in a hurry because the situation in Delhi was such; there was apprehension that a major crackdown could happen.”
Recalling the police action during protests in Ladakh in 2025, he said he feared a similar situation could unfold in Delhi.
“I was watching reports and was reminded of September 24, 2025, when police and CRPF personnel mercilessly fired at the youth of Ladakh. I was afraid something similar could happen here. I felt that if I ended my fast and appealed for peace, perhaps the situation could be diffused.”
Responding to criticism over ending his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk questioned the allegations.
“If I had to make a deal, would I have remained hungry for 26 days? Could I not have struck a deal sitting in an air-conditioned room instead of fasting in Delhi’s heat?”
Insisted On Written Assurance
According to Wangchuk, the Centre initially agreed to discuss examination reforms and compensation for affected families but was unwilling to provide a written assurance against legal action.
“They initially agreed to compensation and discussion in Parliament but were not ready to assure that no cases would be filed against protesting students. They offered only a verbal assurance. I insisted on a written assurance and did not relent until they agreed.”
He said the written assurance ultimately became the deciding factor in ending his fast.
Regrets Supporters Couldn’t Be Present
Wangchuk also expressed disappointment that many of his supporters, fellow protesters, Members of Parliament, and representatives from Ladakh were unable to be present when he ended his hunger strike.
“The biggest sorrow in my heart is that my colleagues, the students and the MPs who had come to support me could not be present when I ended my fast.”
He claimed that many of them were not allowed to meet him before the Union ministers arrived at the hospital in Gurugram late at night.