Fast Broken at Midnight in Presence of Union Ministers

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since June 28 over the NEET-UG paper leak issue, ended his 26-day fast in the early hours of Thursday at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram. Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra Singh arrived at the hospital around midnight and conveyed the government's assurances to Wangchuk. He then broke his fast in the presence of his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, and senior leaders of the Apex Body of Leh Ladakh.

Writing on X, Wangchuk said he had decided to end the strike after prolonged negotiations over various conditions and in view of the possibility of violence in the country. He also noted that 65 Members of Parliament from different political parties had either visited him or written letters urging him to end his fast.

Government's Assurances: No Cases, Positive Stance on Compensation

At the hospital, JP Nadda informed Wangchuk and his family that the Centre was positive about not registering cases against those who protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar and participants of the July 20, 2026 'Chalo Sansad' march. He also reiterated the government's assurance of a detailed parliamentary discussion on examination reforms and paper leak issues.

Nadda further stated that the government was positively considering suitable compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

Earlier, Wangchuk had written to Nadda and Dr Jitendra Singh, making it clear that he would end his fast only after receiving an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action would be taken against students and protesters involved in the movement.

Prime Minister Modi Reacts

Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Wangchuk's decision through a post on X, urging him to follow doctors' advice, regain his health and weight, and wishing him a speedy recovery.

Cockroach Janta Party Says Protest Will Continue

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), in solidarity with which Wangchuk had undertaken the hunger strike, expressed relief over his decision. However, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke clarified that the peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

The organisation reiterated its three principal demands:

  • Withdrawal of all action against protesters.
  • Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
  • Compensation of Rs 1 crore to the family of every NEET-UG 2026 aspirant who allegedly died by suicide.

Background of the Protest

Wangchuk began his indefinite hunger strike on June 28 alongside six members of the All India Students Association (AISA). Five days before ending the fast, he had been shifted from Jantar Mantar to Medanta Hospital following Delhi High Court directions so that his health could be monitored under medical supervision.

The larger movement is linked to allegations surrounding the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and irregularities in CBSE's on-screen evaluation system, issues that have affected lakhs of students and their families across India.

What Happens Next?

Although Wangchuk has ended his fast after receiving government assurances, the primary political demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation remains unresolved. The Cockroach Janta Party has confirmed that its agitation at Jantar Mantar will continue until concrete action is taken. With Parliament expected to deliberate on examination reforms, pressure is likely to remain on the government to announce stronger safeguards against future paper leaks.