NEW DELHI: Renowned social activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike shortly after midnight on July 24, following key assurances from the Union government regarding alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET-UG 2026 examination.
In a three-minute video released from his hospital bed via his X handle, Wangchuk stated that he decided to call off his fast after a meeting with Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who agreed to three central conditions.
END OF HUNGER… BEGINNING OF ACCOUNTABILITY…!
Sonam Wangchuk ends his fast after 26 days upon getting assurance from the government and members of parliament of all political parties that the issue of accountability in the failing examination system will be discussed on the… pic.twitter.com/0C9YX5VlsL— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026
The Three Guarantees
According to Wangchuk, the government provided three key assurances:
- Parliamentary Discussion: Union ministers assured that MPs across political parties will conduct a detailed discussion in Parliament regarding accountability and systemic failures in competitive examinations.
- Compensation for Families: The government agreed to provide adequate compensation to the families of candidates who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
- No Legal Action Against Peaceful Protesters: The administration promised that no cases or legal action will be pressed against students and citizens who participated in peaceful demonstrations at Jantar Mantar.
PM Promises Stricter Anti-Leak Law
Amid ongoing protests by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and youth groups, Prime Minister Narendra Modi released a self-recorded video message late Thursday night. Sharing the video on X, the Prime Minister announced that the Union Cabinet, in its July 24 meeting, approved plans to introduce a draft bill targeting paper leaks.
The proposed legislation will mandate strict penalties for offenders and establish fast-track courts for speedy trials. Relevant departments have been directed to draft the measures. Meanwhile, opposition parties continued protests both inside and outside Parliament, demanding a comprehensive discussion on the NEET leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Talks Scheduled at Neutral Venue
Following the government’s acceptance of a neutral venue request, formal talks between government representatives and the CJP are scheduled for Friday at 12:30 PM at the Constitution Club of India, according to a PTI report.
CJP national spokesperson Saurabh Das welcomed the decision. Previous talks held on July 20 at Union Health Minister JP Nadda’s residence led to allegations by CJP spokespersons Saurabh Das and Ashutosh Ranka that they were held under virtual detention. Following that incident, the group insisted on meeting only at a neutral location.
Despite the breakthrough in talks, the CJP clarified that its sit-in demonstration at Jantar Mantar will continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns.
CJP’s Core Demands
- Immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Accountability and structural reforms in the national competitive examination system.
- Compensation of ₹1 crore for the families of students who died by suicide following the NEET paper leak.
- Complete withdrawal of all FIRs and legal proceedings against peaceful protesters involved in the agitation.
