Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized After 20-Day Hunger Strike Over NEET Irregularities

Activist Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly moved to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on July 18, 2026, after his indefinite hunger strike reached its 20th day. The protest, which began on June 28, was organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and centered on alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, with a key demand being the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk's health had deteriorated significantly during the fast, leading to his hospitalization. The protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar saw significant support, with students and various civil society members joining in solidarity. The CJP, a satirical movement that initially started the protest, aimed to bring accountability to the education system and address broader issues beyond just the NEET controversy. Sonam Wangchuk, a renowned engineer, educator, and environmental activist, known for his work in Ladakh and his previous protests, joined the hunger strike on June 28, adding considerable weight to the movement. His previous activism includes advocating for constitutional safeguards for Ladakh and environmental protection, demonstrating a consistent commitment to public causes. The situation at Jantar Mantar became tense when Delhi Police forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site. Supporters alleged that the police acted without adequate notice and that there was a commotion during the operation. The police stated that the action was taken as per court orders and medical advice due to Wangchuk's deteriorating health. Despite his hospitalization, Wangchuk reportedly refused intravenous fluids and other medical interventions, continuing his fast. His wife expressed concern over the forceful removal, stating that hospitalization was not immediately necessary. Several political figures and organizations voiced their support for Wangchuk and criticized the government's handling of the situation. Leaders from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) called for dialogue and demanded the resignation of Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, accusing the government of insensitivity. Some opposition leaders even escalated their demands, calling for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation following the police action. The protest was planned to continue with a march to Parliament on July 20. Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Minister of Education, has been at the center of the controversy. He has held the position since 2021 and has been involved in implementing reforms in the education sector, including overseeing the National Testing Agency (NTA). The NEET-UG examination, which is crucial for medical college admissions, faced significant scrutiny in 2024 due to alleged paper leaks and irregularities. The Supreme Court of India noted isolated incidents but found no evidence of large-scale malpractice, though over 100 arrests were made. The Deccan Herald, the source of the original article, is rated as Lean Left with Mixed factual reporting by Media Bias/Fact Check, and generally considered a credible news source. The related articles cited from The Hindu, The Tribune, Greater Kashmir, and The Times of India also corroborate the central claims of Wangchuk's hunger strike and the surrounding events. The Times of India is rated as Right-Center with Mixed factual reporting by Media Bias/Fact Check, while The Hindu is rated as Left-Center with Mostly Factual reporting. The Tribune is rated Lean Right with High factual reporting. Greater Kashmir's factuality rating is unknown. Sonam Wangchuk's protest, though focused on immediate educational issues, is part of his broader history of activism for Ladakh's autonomy, environmental protection, and systemic reforms in India. The government's response, characterized by a lack of direct dialogue and the eventual forceful removal of the activist, has drawn criticism and highlighted ongoing tensions between civil society and the administration.

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