CJP intensifies protest demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation; Wangchuk on hunger strike

New Delhi: The CJP's protest demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET exam leak scandal has intensified. Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has now joined CJP supporters at the protest site at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. Wangchuk began a hunger strike on Sunday.

Before sitting on the hunger strike to demand Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, Wangchuk visited Rajghat with CJP founder Abhijit Dipke to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Subsequently, the hunger strike commenced at Jantar Mantar following a two-minute silence.

Why did Sonam Wangchuk take such a step?

Wangchuk began his fast at Jantar Mantar in the presence of hundreds of youths, students, and farmer leaders. Explaining his reason for joining the movement, Wangchuk stated that education has been close to his heart for the past 40 years. He felt he could not remain silent when young people were raising their voices regarding the education system.

What did Sonam Wangchuk say?

Sonam Wangchuk said, "I have been forced to sit here; I am not doing this out of choice. I am on a hunger strike in support of both issues—Ladakh and education. Many people ask me why I am with the CJP now after having led a movement in Ladakh. The issue of education being raised here has been close to my heart for the last 40 years, ever since my own student days."

Wangchuk appealed to the public to turn this into a collective hunger strike and observe a fast for at least one day.

Sonam Wangchuk has begun a hunger strike today at the CJP (Cockroach Janata Party) protest at Jantar Mantar;
it will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.

When was Sonam Wangchuk released from jail?

It is worth noting that Wangchuk was released from Jodhpur Jail in March 2026. He had been imprisoned for approximately six months under the National Security Act (NSA) following violence during the Ladakh movement.

Meanwhile, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke alleged that several farmer leaders from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab have been placed under house arrest to prevent them from reaching Jantar Mantar.