Protests Intensify at Jantar Mantar as Sonam Wangchuk's Fast Continues; Political Debate Deepens Across India

Yugcharan News | 22-07-2026

The ongoing protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar gathered fresh momentum on Wednesday as larger crowds assembled in support of activist Sonam Wangchuk and student-led demonstrators demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The agitation, which has now entered its 25th day, continues to attract national political attention, with statements from senior Union ministers, opposition leaders, and supporters from abroad adding new dimensions to the movement.

At the centre of the protest remains a demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following allegations related to the NEET examination paper leak. Protesters have maintained that the issue represents a larger concern regarding transparency, fairness, and accountability in India's examination system.

As the demonstrations continued peacefully at Jantar Mantar on Wednesday morning, organisers claimed that the number of participants had increased once again. Protest leaders reiterated that they would continue their sit-in until their principal demands receive a formal response from the government.

Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been observing a prolonged hunger strike as part of the campaign, continues to remain a key figure in the movement. According to those associated with the protest, concerns have grown regarding his health after nearly four weeks of fasting.

Interestingly, members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), one of the groups associated with the ongoing agitation, publicly appealed to Wangchuk to reconsider his fast in view of his health condition. In a social media statement, the organisation acknowledged that Wangchuk's sacrifice had inspired an entire generation of students and young citizens but urged him to end his fast while assuring that the campaign for examination reforms and justice would continue with renewed determination.

The appeal stated that the movement itself would not weaken even if Wangchuk prioritised his health, and organisers pledged to continue raising the issue until meaningful action was taken by the authorities.

Adding another development to the day, CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das claimed that government representatives had once again attempted to initiate dialogue through Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda. According to Das, police officials conveyed that the minister was willing to meet protest representatives at his official residence.

However, protest organisers declined the invitation.

Speaking to reporters, Das maintained that discussions should take place at or near the protest venue rather than inside government offices or residences. He argued that since the movement represents public concerns, ministers should come directly to the people if they intend to engage in meaningful dialogue.

At the same time, he indicated that the organisers were open to meeting government representatives at a neutral location close to Jantar Mantar if security arrangements required such an alternative. According to him, the protesters are still awaiting a formal response from the government regarding their demands and believe that discussions should have a clear purpose rather than being symbolic.

The political debate surrounding the demonstrations also intensified after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh commented on the issue through social media.

According to the minister, the continuing protests in Delhi are a matter of concern, but he alleged that some political groups were attempting to use students and young people as instruments for political objectives. His remarks suggested that genuine concerns of students should not become tools in wider political battles.

The statement immediately drew responses from opposition leaders and protest organisers, who rejected the allegation and maintained that the demonstrations are driven primarily by public dissatisfaction over examination-related issues.

The protest movement has steadily expanded beyond Delhi, with reports of solidarity demonstrations emerging from several international cities.

According to information shared by organisers and reports from news agencies, members of advocacy groups gathered in New York and San Jose in the United States to express support for Sonam Wangchuk and the ongoing student movement. Demonstrations were reportedly organised at Union Square in New York and near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in San Jose.

Supporters also held similar gatherings in London and Dublin, calling for greater transparency in India's examination system and expressing solidarity with those participating in the protests in Delhi.

Back in the national capital, the atmosphere has remained politically charged since large-scale demonstrations earlier this week.

Opposition parties have alleged that police used excessive force while attempting to disperse demonstrators marching towards Parliament. They have accused authorities of acting against peaceful protesters and demanded accountability for the police action.

Several senior opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav and Uddhav Thackeray, participated in protest activities over the past two days. Some leaders were reportedly detained during demonstrations before being released later.

Meanwhile, authorities have also alleged that incidents of stone-pelting occurred during parts of the protests, resulting in heightened security arrangements around central Delhi. Officials have maintained that necessary measures were taken to preserve law and order, while opposition parties continue to question the handling of the demonstrations.

The list of demands raised by the protesting groups has also expanded in recent days.

Initially, organisers sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, action against police personnel accused of using excessive force, withdrawal of criminal cases registered against student protesters, and a detailed parliamentary discussion on issues relating to the national education system.

Subsequently, some opposition leaders also raised demands seeking the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, further broadening the political scope of the movement.

In West Bengal, the protests have also become part of the political discourse.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had recently expressed support for the student movement during a public programme, while Trinamool Congress leaders have continued to raise the issue both inside and outside Parliament. Party representatives have sought discussions regarding the police response to student demonstrations in Delhi.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also criticised the government's handling of the protests, claiming that authorities had underestimated the public response and describing the movement as an unexpected political challenge. She asserted that despite repeated efforts by authorities, demonstrators remained committed to continuing their sit-in at Jantar Mantar.

Separately, CJP spokesperson Saurabh Das also alleged that access to his WhatsApp account had been blocked. No official confirmation regarding the claim was immediately available.

Political observers note that the protests, which initially focused on examination-related concerns, have gradually evolved into a broader national debate involving youth participation, public accountability, policing of demonstrations, and government engagement with dissent.

The coming days may prove significant as Parliament continues its session and multiple opposition parties prepare to raise the issue both inside the House and through public campaigns. At the same time, protesters have indicated that they intend to continue their peaceful demonstration until concrete assurances are received regarding their demands.

With student organisations, civil society groups, political parties and international supporters closely watching developments, the movement at Jantar Mantar has emerged as one of the most closely followed public protests in recent months. Whether the ongoing dialogue efforts lead to negotiations or the demonstrations continue for a longer period will depend on the response of both the government and protest organisers in the days ahead.