New Delhi – Climate activist and education advocate Sonam Wangchuk entered the 16th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Monday, part of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest against the NEET‑UG question paper leak. Speaking to the Indian Express Hindi edition, Wangchuk emphasized that a single minister’s resignation is only a starting point; the real battle lies in overhauling the examination framework.

Background of the NEET Leak

In early 2026, the leak of NEET‑UG papers sparked nationwide outrage, exposing alleged collusion between exam officials and political actors. The scandal raised fundamental doubts about the integrity of India’s merit‑based admission system and ignited a broader debate on the commercialization of education.

Wangchuk’s Demands and the CJP Protest

Wangchuk argued that “accountability is merely the first step; the door must then open to determine the right course of action.” He urged the Monsoon Session of Parliament to debate the issue and called on leaders from every party to join the protest, stressing that the platform “has no political colour.”

Political Reactions and Prospects

To date, the Modi government has not reached out to Wangchuk, reinforcing his claim that the public must amplify the voice until it reaches the corridors of power. He warned that if opposition figures such as Rahul Gandhi or Akhilesh Yadav do not appear on the stage, it will reflect narrow‑mindedness and risk alienating voters.

Long‑Term Implications for India’s Education System

Wangchuk warned that a leaky exam system could produce doctors and engineers whose credentials are compromised, jeopardising public health and safety. He framed the issue as a symptom of a society where “honesty holds no value,” and urged Prime Minister Modi to lead with empathy, stating, “Democracy thrives on compassion, not rigidity.”