India
oi-Madhuri Adnal
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday appealed to people across the country to join him at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and observe a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with his ongoing protest over education and environmental issues.
Wangchuk is on an indefinite hunger strike that began on Sunday along with members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination irregularities.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged exam irregularities and urged nationwide solidarity fasts.
Call for one-day fast
In a video message shared by CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk said he was on the second day of what he described as an “Anshan on salt and water” and urged supporters to join the protest.
“Namaskar, in support of education and environment, in support of CJP and Ladakh, today is my second day of Anshan on salt and water. Many people have joined here. You can also join. If you come here for one day of Anshan it will be very good,” he said.
Day 2 of the Hunger Strike:
A heartfelt appeal by @Wangchuk66 to all Indians. pic.twitter.com/5qbOdzJ8Yx
— Abhijeet Dipke (@abhijeet_dipke) June 29, 2026
He added that those unable to travel to Delhi could observe a symbolic fast in their own states, cities or villages.
“If you cannot come here then in your state, city or village for one day of Anshan for education for improvement for response from the government for environment for air and water you can do it,” he said.
Protest at Jantar Mantar
Wangchuk began the indefinite fast on Sunday at Jantar Mantar alongside CJP activists. The protest is focused on alleged irregularities in examinations and demands the resignation of the Education Minister.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the protest would also raise concerns related to accountability in the electoral system, PTI reported.
Visit to Rajghat
Before starting the protest Wangchuk and Dipke visited Rajghat and paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Organisers said the visit underlined the non-violent nature of the movement.
Education system under scrutiny
Addressing protesters Wangchuk said the education system in India required urgent reform.
“No developed nation has achieved progress without investing in quality education. Similarly India cannot become Viksit Bharat without strengthening its education system,” he said.
He said recent developments pointed to deeper systemic issues and called for accountability.
“Our movement seeks a course correction in the education system and the education minister’s resignation is the first step towards that,” he said.
