Cockroach Janata Party praises Sonam Wangchuk’s 26‑day hunger strike as the moral spark that ended its 37‑day NEET protest

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced on Saturday that it was pulling down the tents at Jantar Mantar, ending a 37‑day agitation over alleged NEET exam irregularities. The decision came just hours after the government signed an agreement that addressed many of the party’s core demands.

In a heartfelt post on X, the CJP lauded activist Sonam Wangchuk for his 26‑day hunger strike, calling it a "Gandhian satyagraha" that "awakened an entire nation." The party said his self‑less fast for the country’s youth was a "pure and supreme sacrifice" that will be remembered as the moral backbone of the movement.

"Words cannot fully express our thanks," the party wrote, adding, "We love you and are endlessly grateful for your satyagraha." The tweet, posted by the account @Cockroachisback, also included a photo of Wangchuk looking gaunt but determined – a stark reminder of the physical toll such protests can exact.

Earlier in the day, CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das held a press conference near the Constitution Club, explaining that the protest was being withdrawn "in good faith" after Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh promised to implement the party’s key demands within set timelines.

According to the CJP, the Centre has now pledged two main concessions: first, financial compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who tragically died by suicide, and second, the immediate withdrawal of FIRs filed against protesters across the country. The party also submitted a five‑point charter seeking broader educational and examination reforms, and said a follow‑up meeting would be scheduled in four weeks to review progress.

In a surprising turn of events, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation on the same Saturday. In his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Pradhan said he was stepping down to prevent "anti‑national forces" from hijacking the student protests. He stressed that the unity of the nation must remain intact and that students’ futures should not be tangled in legal battles.

Pradhan also defended the government's handling of the NEET‑UG controversy, noting that the investigation into the alleged irregularities had been handed over to the CBI, the exam itself was cancelled, and a fresh re‑test was scheduled.

When asked about the resignation, Wangchuk, speaking from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, called it “a victory for democracy.” He urged students and activists to stay peaceful, emphasizing that true democratic strength lies in calm, not coercion.

"Humility in victory is the most important thing; it defines your character," he said. While welcoming the minister’s exit, Wangchuk warned that a resignation alone does not fix systemic problems. "We have achieved accountability this time, but we still need comprehensive reforms in education and governance," he added.

Meanwhile, the Centre is reportedly drafting a tough anti‑paper‑leak law. The draft would set up Special Fast‑Track Courts and a dedicated Special Task Force to clamp down on examination malpractices nationwide.

The episode has reignited debates across India about exam transparency, student mental health, and the role of civil society in shaping policy. As the CJP’s tents come down and the streets of Delhi breathe a little easier, many are watching to see whether the promised reforms will materialise or remain merely words on paper.

Only time will tell if Sonam Wangchuk’s sacrifice and the party’s negotiations will translate into lasting change for India’s education system.