Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Ladakh educationist Sonam Wangchuk once appeared aligned on Indian education goals. In March 2023 they met to review the National Education Policy, shared public praise on social media and voiced optimism about systemic change through innovation and experiential learning.
Nearly three years later their relationship has become marked by open confrontation. Wangchuk now leads protests at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar under the Cockroach Janta Party banner and is on an indefinite hunger strike calling for Pradhan’s resignation over the handling of the 2026 NEET-UG paper leak.
The fast reached its 18th day on Wednesday. On Tuesday several public figures urged Wangchuk to end the protest. The 59-year-old activist addressed supporters, stating that the action aims to raise awareness rather than force immediate resignations.
The dispute intensified after the NEET-UG examination was cancelled in May following leak allegations. A retest occurred in June, during which reports indicated student suicides. Criticism grew further after remarks by the Chief Justice of India sparked the formation of the protest group.
The contrast is clear: the 2023 meeting focused on joint support for education reform, while the current standoff centres on demands for accountability in the same sector.
