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🇸🇬 Singapore /Health & Science

Indian Activist's Hunger Strike Over Exam Leaks Enters 17th Day Amid Worsening Health

From The Straits Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News From a news agency Context piece
  • Prominent Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk is on a 17-day hunger strike demanding the education minister's resignation over exam paper leaks.
  • The leaks affected millions of students, and the activist's condition has worsened, prompting calls from opposition leaders to end the fast.
  • The protest highlights frustrations among young Indians regarding unemployment and exam integrity, with a planned march to parliament on July 20.

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of a hunger strike in New Delhi, demanding the resignation of the Education Minister over widespread exam paper leaks. Wangchuk's health has significantly deteriorated, leading prominent opposition figures to urge him to end his fast.

The activist is protesting in solidarity with the founder of the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who is staging a sit-in. The CJP, founded by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke, has rapidly gained a large following on Instagram among young Indians, reflecting widespread discontent.

We have been trying to convince Sonam sir to withdraw his hunger strike but he is adamant to continue it.

— Abhijeet DipkeDescribing the activist's determination to continue his hunger strike.

Wangchuk, 59, who inspired a character in a Bollywood film, has reportedly lost 8.5 kg. He indicated he could continue the fast for up to six weeks, or until he dies. Dipke stated that Wangchuk remains determined to continue the protest and is preparing for a march to parliament on July 20, expressing concern that the government might wish for the hunger strikers to perish.

Sonam sir is asking us to keep preparing for the march to parliament on 20th July. I feel the government wants Sonam sir and other people on hunger strike to die.

— Abhijeet DipkeExpressing concern about the government's potential intentions regarding the hunger strikers.

Several opposition leaders, including former Uttar Pradesh chief minister Akhilesh Yadav, have visited Wangchuk, emphasizing his invaluable contribution to humanity, the environment, and democracy. The CJP, which describes itself as representing "the lazy, the unemployed, and the chronically correct," has tapped into the frustrations of India's youth. While the official unemployment rate for those aged 15 and above was 3.1% in 2025, it neared 10% for those aged 15 to 29, and rose to 13.6% in urban areas.

The exam paper leaks have particularly angered young people, leading to the cancellation and re-holding of a medical college examination taken by 2.3 million candidates. The Ministry of Education and the government have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the protest and the leaks.

His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies a commitment to humanity and the environment that is as profound as his commitment to democracy

— Akhilesh YadavPraising the activist's dedication and importance.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Straits Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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