Sonam Wangchuk Says Youth Protests Weakened PM Modi
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has claimed that nationwide youth protests over examination paper leaks have significantly weakened PM Modi politically. Speaking to the BBC, he said the movement had given young Indians greater confidence in their ability to demand accountability and institutional reform.
Sonam Wangchuk on Youth Protests
Wangchuk said the political atmosphere changed after demonstrations expanded across major Indian cities and ultimately preceded Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation on July 25.
The 59-year-old activist argued that young people no longer felt compelled to accept government decisions without question. His assessment that PM Modi had been weakened remains a political opinion rather than an independently measurable conclusion.
Cockroach Movement Demands Education Reform
The demonstrations were led by the youth-driven Cockroach Janta Party following allegations that questions from the 2026 NEET-UG medical entrance examination had been leaked.
The movement’s name was adopted after controversial judicial remarks comparing sections of unemployed youth to cockroaches. What began as anger over examination irregularities widened into protests over unemployment, corruption and government accountability.
The government cancelled the affected examination, conducted a computer-based retest and ordered a federal investigation. Several suspects, including examination officials and alleged middlemen, were later charged.
Wangchuk Hunger Strike Galvanised Protests
Wangchuk fasted for 26 days in Delhi, consuming water with salt while demanding accountability and examination reform. He lost approximately 11 kg and was moved to hospital after doctors warned that his condition required continuous monitoring.
He ended the fast following negotiations and assurances from the government. Pradhan resigned two days later as protests continued to demand his removal.
The government subsequently announced fast-track proceedings for examination leak cases, stricter penalties and compensation for eligible families affected by student deaths. Technology entrepreneur Nandan Nilekani was also appointed to lead efforts to reform the examination system.
