Sonam Wangchuk Fast Enters Day 25 Amid NEET Protest Talks

Sonam Wangchuk remains under medical observation at Medanta Hospital after meeting Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The meeting has raised speculation over whether he will end his 25-day hunger strike linked to demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk remained under medical observation at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Wednesday as his indefinite hunger strike over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak entered its 25th day.

Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh met Wangchuk late on Tuesday night, raising questions over whether the discussions could lead to an end to his protest. Wangchuk had not announced any decision to call off the fast following the meeting.

Late-Night Hospital Visit Raises Hopes of a Breakthrough

Nadda and Singh reportedly arrived at Medanta Hospital at around 11.30 pm and met Wangchuk inside ICU 8. Doctors were asked to step outside during the discussion, which lasted approximately 10 minutes.

Details of the conversation were not officially disclosed. The ministers left the hospital shortly after the meeting.

The visit occurred amid efforts by the government to communicate with Opposition representatives and students involved in protests related to the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

Wangchuk had been transferred to Medanta earlier on Tuesday after obtaining permission from the Delhi High Court to receive treatment at a hospital of his choice.

He was initially taken to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital by police on July 18, when his hunger strike had reached its 21st day.

Transfer to Medanta Followed High Court Order

An ambulance transported Wangchuk from Safdarjung Hospital at around 6.45 pm on July 21. The approximately 24-kilometre journey to Medanta reportedly took more than two hours because of traffic congestion and security restrictions linked to separate protests in Delhi.

Doctors examined Wangchuk after his arrival and described him as stable and in good spirits. However, he remained in the ICU because of the medical risks associated with prolonged fasting.

Fresh blood tests were ordered, with doctors closely monitoring his sodium and potassium levels. These electrolytes are essential for normal heart, nerve and muscle function, and significant changes can cause serious complications.

A decision on shifting him to a private ward was expected to depend on the test results and his overall condition.

What Conditions Had Wangchuk Placed Before the Government?

Before the ministers’ visit, Wangchuk had outlined two possible developments that could persuade him to reconsider his hunger strike.

He said leaders associated with the Cockroach Janta Party protest should either be allowed to meet Members of Parliament at Parliament House or parliamentarians should visit him at the hospital.

The meeting with Nadda and Singh appeared to fulfil the second option, as the Union ministers visited him directly at Medanta. However, Wangchuk did not immediately clarify whether the visit was sufficient for him to end the fast.

It also remained unclear whether student and CJP representatives had been formally permitted to present their demands before parliamentarians inside Parliament.

Protesters Demand Accountability Over Alleged NEET Leak

Wangchuk began his hunger strike on June 28 in support of protesters seeking accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

In a signed message issued earlier in the week, he expressed solidarity with protesters gathered at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Demonstrators under the CJP banner have demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and action against those responsible for the alleged irregularities in the examinations.

Wangchuk also appealed to the authorities to allow students to place their grievances before Parliament. He urged protesters to remain peaceful despite tensions surrounding the agitation.

The appeal followed police action against demonstrators who allegedly attempted to march from Jantar Mantar towards Parliament. Reports said police used lathis while stopping the protesters, leading to further political criticism and renewed demands for dialogue.

CJP Representatives Hold Talks with Government

Before visiting Wangchuk, JP Nadda also held discussions with CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka.

During the meeting, the representatives reportedly submitted a list of demands, including action and accountability in connection with the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.

The Cockroach Janta Party initially attracted attention as an online political satire initiative before becoming associated with the ongoing student-led demonstrations.

Wangchuk’s health reports, further discussions between the government and protest leaders, and his response to the ministers’ visit are now expected to determine the next phase of the protest.

For the moment, Wangchuk remains under observation at Medanta Hospital and has not confirmed whether he will continue or end his indefinite hunger strike.