After 27 days of an extraordinary hunger strike, climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk ended his fast today, marking the close of one chapter and the beginning of another. Returning to Delhi’s Jantar Mantar alongside Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk was greeted by cheering supporters as the air echoed with cries of “Inquilab Zindabad!” Humanity does enjoy announcing that history is being made. Sometimes, it even is.
The protest, centred on demands for accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, remains firmly alive despite the fast ending. Wangchuk’s return signalled that while his body needed relief, the movement, according to its supporters, has not lost momentum.
The Cockroach Janata Party told the government that its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is “non-negotiable”, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das said after a nearly two-hour meeting with Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Speaking after his return, Abhijeet Dipke, who said he has been diagnosed with typhoid, declared that he would continue the agitation until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns. Dipke also sharply criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government’s response to the paper leak crisis had been inadequate.
He remarked, “PM Modi’s solution in the Cabinet for paper leaks is for ministers to get more active on Instagram. This is why a PM should be educated.” This statement reflects Dipke’s opinion and political criticism.
With Wangchuk back at Jantar Mantar, the protest enters a new phase, shifting from a life-threatening fast to sustained public mobilisation. Whether the government responds through dialogue, policy action, or continued silence may determine how this movement is remembered. For now, the slogans have not faded, the protesters have not dispersed, and the demand for accountability remains at the heart of their campaign.
