What began as a partnership centred on education reforms and the National Education Policy (NEP) has evolved into one of the sharpest public confrontations in India’s education sector, with activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk now leading protests demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

Sonam Wangchuk, who is spearheading the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, entered the 18th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Wednesday. The protesters are demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, alleging a lack of accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak and other examination-related controversies. Despite the prolonged protest, the Centre has not officially responded to the demand.

The relationship between Pradhan and Wangchuk was markedly different just three years ago. In March 2023, the Union Education Minister met Wangchuk and his wife, social entrepreneur Geetanjali J Angmo, to discuss the implementation of the National Education Policy. The meeting reflected a shared vision for transforming India’s education system through innovation, experiential learning and sustainable development. Sharing photographs from the meeting on X (formerly Twitter), Pradhan described the interaction as an inspiring exchange of ideas. (X/@dpradhanbjp)

Dharmendra Pradhan wrote, “Had a wonderful conversation with Mr Sonam Wangchuk and his wife, Geetanjali J. Angmo. I appreciate their passion, ideas, and enthusiasm for transforming education, promoting experiential learning, and developing a culture of innovation and sustainable development.” Wangchuk responded warmly, expressing confidence in the government’s education reforms. “Thank you, Dharmendra Pradhan ji, for being so open to innovative ideas in education. We feel even more committed to making NEP a reality on the ground,” he posted. At the time, both publicly endorsed the NEP as a framework for reshaping education through innovation and experiential learning. 

The NEET Controversy That Changed The Equation: The relationship deteriorated following the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak controversy and the subsequent CBSE online marking row. More than 22 lakh students appeared for the examination, which was cancelled on May 12 after allegations that question papers had been leaked through so-called ‘guess papers’. A nationwide re-examination was later conducted on June 21. During the period between the cancellation and the retest, reports of 11 to 14 student suicides across the country intensified criticism of the examination system and the government’s handling of the crisis.

Birth of the Cockroach Janata Party: Public anger gained further momentum after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, while hearing a case related to unemployment, referred to unemployed youth as “parasites” and “cockroaches”. The remarks triggered widespread backlash on social media and eventually inspired the formation of the satirical Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). Although the Chief Justice later clarified his remarks, protests had already gathered momentum. Within weeks, hundreds of young protesters wearing cockroach masks assembled at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability for the examination controversies and calling for Pradhan’s resignation.

Sonam Wangchuk joined the first CJP protest on June 6 before announcing an indefinite hunger strike until the Education Minister stepped down. The 59-year-old activist has become the principal face of the protest movement. Owing to deteriorating health, Wangchuk had largely avoided extended public appearances during the fast. However, on Tuesday, he addressed supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar and acknowledged fellow protesters participating in the hunger strike. “Our fasting may not immediately bring resignations. But if it awakens people, then it has served its purpose,” he said. “One resignation alone changes very little. The day people awaken, every department of the Government of India will see change,” he added. On Tuesday, several prominent personalities from different fields also appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast.

The contrast between 2023 and 2026 has been stark. Three years ago, Pradhan and Wangchuk publicly spoke of working together to implement the National Education Policy and transform India’s education system. Today, the Education Minister continues to oversee key NEP reforms, while Wangchuk remains on an indefinite hunger strike, accusing the government of failing to ensure accountability in the wake of the NEET-UG controversy and demanding Pradhan’s resignation.