Sonam Wangchuk ends fast, but youth protests over exam leaks continue

Indian climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on Friday, after negotiations with federal ministers in Delhi. However, the youth-led protests that have shaken the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi are far from over. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement of students and young demonstrators, has pledged to continue its agitation until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns over leaked medical school entrance exam papers that affected some two million students in May and have been linked to multiple student suicides.

Wangchuk breaks fast amid political pressure

Wangchuk, 59, announced on social media that he broke his fast in the presence of two union ministers, following what he described as “a long negotiation on various conditions” and out of concern for “possible violence in the country.” He did not provide further details but promised to release a video explaining the terms of his decision. The activist had launched the hunger strike to demand action against the exam irregularities, which he said had undermined the aspirations of millions of young Indians. His protest had drawn widespread support from opposition politicians and student groups, amplifying the pressure on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government.

Youth movement intensifies demands

The CJP, whose supporters have mockingly called themselves “cockroaches” to symbolise their resilience, has been at the forefront of the demonstrations. Founder Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his “courage and sacrifice” and made it clear that the protests would not stop until Pradhan steps down. “We won’t let Sonam sir’s sacrifice go in vain,” Dipke said in a video message. The movement has emerged as the biggest youth-led challenge to Modi’s government, with thousands of students taking to the streets in cities across India. Police have clashed with protesters, and several arrests have been reported.

Exam leaks spark crisis of confidence

The scandal erupted in May when it was discovered that question papers for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical colleges had been leaked. The leak allegedly enabled widespread cheating, prompting investigations and calls for a overhaul of the examination system. The crisis deepened as reports emerged of student suicides linked to the scandal, fuelling anger and grief among young aspirants and their families.

Late on Tuesday, Pradhan issued his first public comments since the resignation demands began, stating that the government was committed to addressing concerns and reforming the examination process. Critics, however, viewed the statement as insufficient and demanded accountability at the highest level.

What lies ahead

While Wangchuk’s decision to end his fast may temporarily ease the political temperature, the CJP has vowed to sustain the momentum. The coming weeks are likely to see continued street protests and possibly a test of the Modi government’s ability to manage a restless youth demographic. The opposition is expected to seize on the issue in parliament, demanding a full debate and the minister’s resignation. The episode underscores a growing disconnect between India’s young population, which faces fierce competition for limited educational and employment opportunities, and a government that has prioritised economic growth over systemic reform in critical sectors like education.

With the next general election just over two years away, the government cannot afford to alienate the youth. How it navigates this crisis – whether through genuine reform or political manoeuvring – will have lasting implications for Modi’s legacy and the country’s social stability.