Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike Over Exam Leaks

Sonam Wangchuk, a 59-year-old Indian activist, concluded his 26-day hunger strike on July 25, 2023, which he initiated on June 28, 2023, to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. This protest was in solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which sought Pradhan's resignation over a series of examination paper leaks affecting medical college entrance exams, compelling millions of students to retake the tests.

Wangchuk announced the end of his fast via a post on X, citing a long negotiation process and concerns about possible violence in the country. His announcement came shortly after Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation on X, promising stricter measures to combat examination paper leaks and indicating that the cabinet would discuss the issue.

Modi described the leaks as a significant concern for hundreds of thousands of students but did not mention Pradhan directly.