'No Deal': Wangchuk Explains Why He Broke His 26-Day Fast

Sonam Wangchuk has rejected suggestions that he struck a bargain with the government to end his hunger strike. The activist, who broke his fast on Day 26, said he acted on written assurances, not a deal.

Why He Ended the Fast

In a video message, Wangchuk said his priority throughout was protecting students from violence and legal action. He said fear of a violent sweep in Delhi — recalling the September 2025 firing on youth in Ladakh — pushed him to accept the written assurance that no legal action would be taken against peaceful protesters.

He also revealed that 65 MPs from different parties had visited him or signed letters urging him to end the strike.

On Pradhan's Resignation

Wangchuk clarified he did not demand Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation during the talks, because his focus was securing protection for protesters. He added that he still expects Pradhan to resign eventually.

What the Government Promised

The Centre released a video detailing the assurances: it was positively inclined not to register cases against students who protested peacefully at Jantar Mantar, had committed to a detailed parliamentary discussion on the NEET leak and education reforms, and was positively considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide after the leak.

The Protest Isn't Over

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke called Wangchuk's sacrifice one that "awakened the conscience of an entire nation" — but confirmed the Jantar Mantar protest continues until Pradhan resigns. Reported by ThePrint.