Published Jul 24, 2026 | 8:08 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 24, 2026 | 8:18 AM
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day fast a little past Thursday midnight in the presence of Union ministers.
Synopsis: The Cockroach Janata Party welcomed Sonam Wangchuck ending the 26-day fast, but said the agitation will continue, pressing for the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hinted that stricter action against paper leaks is in the offing.
Educator and activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike shortly after midnight on Thursday, 23 July, in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.
Wangchuk’s wife, educator Gitanjali, was also by his side at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram when he ended the fast after Nadda gave an assurance to hold talks with protesters at a neutral venue.
“Just now, in the presence of Union Ministers Sh JP Nadda, Dr Jitendra Singh and the senior leaders of Apex Body of Leh Ladakh, I finally broke my fast after 26 days. Earlier, 65 members of parliament from different political parties had visited or signed letters urging me to break the fast. This was done after long negotiations on various conditions and in view of possible violence in the country. I will explain the conditions in detail in a separate video very soon. Meanwhile, I urge you all to stay very vigilant about not allowing violence of any kind anywhere,” Wangchuk said on X.
The CJP said it will continue the agitation, seeking Pradhan’s resignation. (Likhitha Nair)
The Cockroach Janata Party, spearheading the students’ agitation demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a complete overhaul of the education system, welcomed the move. They will hold talks with the Union Government at the Constitution Club on Friday, 24 July, around noon.
Soon after Wangchuk had ended his fast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to social media, saying, “I urge Sonam ji to follow his routine as per the doctors’ advice and regain his old weight as soon as possible.”
In an earlier post, Modi shared a video on X saying, “More strict actions against paper leaks to come in tomorrow’s Cabinet!”
“The paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is a painful issue for lakhs of students and their parents,” the Prime Minister acknowledged.
CJP convener Abhijeet Dipke thanked Wangchuk for his extraordinary courage and sacrifice, but added that the peaceful protest would continue, pressing for Pradhan’s resignation.
“We are relieved and grateful that Sonam sir has ended his hunger strike after 26 days.
Thank you, sir, for your extraordinary courage and sacrifice. By putting your own life on the line, you awakened the conscience of an entire nation. Your life is far too precious to this country.
The Cockroach Janta Party’s peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar will continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns,” he posted on X.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) announced that 17 of its major stations would remain closed from 78.30 am on Friday. However, interchange facilities continue to be available at Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House and Central Secretariat stations.
Soon after Modi’s video, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, reiterated three demands.
“Mr Modi, our students are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation. Don’t insult their intelligence with this pathetic midnight video. 1. Sack Pradhan. 2. Punish those who beat students. 3. Apologise,” he said on social media, the new warfront India’s Gen Z had opened.
