Sonam Wangchuk To Join CJP Jantar Mantar Protest, Announces Hunger Strike From June 28
Students, parents and activists from several states joined the protest, seeking education reforms, accountability and an end to examination irregularities | Anand Gupta reports.
Published : June 25, 2026 at 3:17 PM IST
|Updated : June 25, 2026 at 5:01 PM IST
New Delhi: The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest has entered its sixth day at Jantar Mantar on Thursday, drawing students, youth, parents and citizens from across the country. Today, Ladakh-based environmental and social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who joined the protest, said if the Government fails to respond to public concerns by June 27, he will begin an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar from June 28.
The demonstrators are demanding reforms in the education system, greater transparency in the examination process and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Throughout the day, participants addressed the gathering, alleging that repeated controversies surrounding competitive examinations in recent years have eroded students' confidence in the system. They said accountability must be addressed to safeguard students' future.
Sonam Wangchuk to Join Protest, Announces Hunger Strike From June 28
Sonam Wangchuk has said that if the government fails to respond to public concerns, he will begin an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. His announcement has sparked fresh discussions around the ongoing protest and boosted the morale of its supporters. In his message, Wangchuk said it is the responsibility of a democratic government to listen to people's concerns and remain accountable to them. He said several important public issues have remained unresolved despite repeated appeals, prompting him to set June 27 as the deadline for the government's response.
"If there is no positive initiative by then, I will begin an indefinite hunger strike from June 28," he said. Wangchuk added that the proposed fast is not intended to create confrontation, but to encourage meaningful dialogue between the government and the people. He said peaceful protests are an essential pillar of a healthy democracy.
Wangchuk also appealed to people to express their views through peaceful and democratic means. He said all protests should remain within the framework of the Constitution and democratic values. He also urged young people to stay aware and actively participate in raising issues of national importance.
'Stress Continues Even After Exams'
Hemant, a second-year student at Delhi University, said he joined the protest to amplify students' voices. He alleged that the government has failed to adequately address issues concerning the education and examination system.
He demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for the abolition of the National Testing Agency (NTA), saying major reforms were needed to protect students' interests. Hemant added that he has been actively participating in the protest since it began.
Happy, a student from Deoria district in Uttar Pradesh who graduated in 2025, said students remain under pressure not only while preparing for examinations but also after appearing for them.
He said concerns over possible paper leaks and other irregularities continue even after exams are over, affecting students' confidence. He said he travelled to Delhi to support the protest and noted that people from different states had gathered at Jantar Mantar to raise education-related issues.
Dr Suresh Gawai, who travelled from Mumbai, also expressed support for the agitation. He said he runs a small clinic and business in Mumbai, but felt compelled to join the protest because of concerns about the education system.
He said a strong education system is essential for the country's progress and that students deserve a fair and credible examination process. He added that he was standing in solidarity with students and families affected by controversies surrounding examinations.
Support Pours In From Across States
The CJP has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar for the past six days, raising issues related to the education system, examination reforms and the future of students and young people.
According to the protesters, the agitation has been receiving support from students, youth and social activists from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra and several other states. Many participants said they had taken time off from their studies and work to join the protest, describing it as an issue concerning the future of students across the country rather than any one organisation.
The protesters maintained that, along with reforms in the education system, accountability must also be fixed. They reiterated their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying their primary objective is to strengthen the education system, make examinations more transparent and restore students' trust in the process.
Following Wangchuk's announcement, those participating in the protest said his support would strengthen their movement and encourage more people from across the country to join the agitation.
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