In June 2026, Sonam Wangchuk made a high-stakes move. He joined the Cockroach Janta Party protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He sat on a hunger strike. The goal was clear. He demanded the resignation of education minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He also pushed for a speedy resolution regarding Ladakh’s autonomy.
This was not a passive sit-in. The pressure was intense. By the 21st day, the situation escalated. Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from the grounds by force. They took him to a hospital. Even from a hospital bed, Wangchuk kept the momentum alive. He appealed to protesters. He urged them to continue with the planned march to Parliament on July 20.
The fast ended on the 26th day. Why? A public address by the prime minister changed the calculus. The PM assured that his cabinet would take “strict action” on the issue of examination mismanagement through parliamentary process.
What happened during the 26-day fast?
The timeline was specific and tense.
- Start Date: June 2026.
- Location: Jantar Mantar, Delhi.
- Primary Demands:
- Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- Speedy resolution on Ladakh’s autonomy.
- Police Intervention: Day 21. Forced removal to a hospital.
- End Date: Day 26. Following the PM’s assurance.
Why did Sonam Wangchuk demand the education minister’s resignation?
Wangchuk targeted Dharmendra Pradhan directly. The core grievance was examination mismanagement. The protest highlighted systemic failures in how exams were handled. Wangchuk argued that the current minister was responsible for these failures. He wanted accountability. He wanted a change in leadership to fix the process.
How did the government respond to the hunger strike?
The government did not ignore the pressure. The response came on the 26th day. The prime minister made a public address. He promised “strict action.” The method was defined. The cabinet would address examination mismanagement through the parliamentary process. This promise ended the fast.
Where did the protest lead after the hospital removal?
After police removed Wangchuk on the 21st day, the movement did not stop. Wangchuk issued a directive from the hospital. He asked protesters to proceed with the planned march. The destination was Parliament. The date was July 20. This showed the protest’s resilience. It was not just about one person on a fast. It was about a coordinated push for policy change.
What is the role of Ladakh’s autonomy in this protest?
Wangchuk tied two issues together. Education reform and Ladakh’s autonomy. He demanded a speedy resolution on autonomy. This linked his broader political stance with the specific education crisis. The protest at Jantar Mantar was a platform for multiple grievances. Education was the immediate trigger. Autonomy was part of the larger fight.
“Strict action” through parliamentary process was the
