Sonam Wangchuk says the youth-led "cockroach" protests—sparked by leaked exam papers and a controversial remark by the chief justice—have seriously damaged Prime Minister Modi's standing and prompted the education minister's resignation. Wangchuk's 26-day hunger strike helped focus attention on the scandal and on deeper problems: an exam system that prioritises efficiency over skills, contributing to persistent graduate unemployment. He urges hands-on, aptitude-based reform and reaffirms commitment to non-violent protest, while opting not to enter electoral politics himself.
Youth Protests Deeply Weaken Modi, Sonam Wangchuk Says
There were big demonstrations after Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site to hospital [Reuters]
Sonam Wangchuk, the education activist whose 26-day hunger strike helped galvanise nationwide youth protests, says the demonstrations have "terribly" weakened Prime Minister Narendra Modi's political standing.
A Shift In Mood
Wangchuk told the BBC that the national mood shifted after mass demonstrations over leaked exam papers and a controversial remark by India's chief justice, which led to the movement being dubbed the "cockroach" protests. The unrest culminated in the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on 25 July.
Hunger Strike And Escalation
The 59-year-old engineer fasted for 26 days in Delhi during June and July, consuming only salt and water in intense heat. He says he lost 11kg and has since regained six kilograms. For the final six days of his fast he was taken to hospitals that he described as "more like prisons".
Government Response And Promises
In the wake of the scandal the government announced fast-track courts to try those accused over the leaked exam papers, appointed a technology industry figure to lead examination reforms, and pledged compensation for families of students who took their own lives after the leaks. Despite these measures, Wangchuk and others argue the problems are structural and deeper than a single scandal.
Education, Exams And Employment
Wangchuk—an engineer and education specialist—says India's examination system is poorly aligned with labour-market needs. He argues that large-scale, efficiency-focused assessments (often multiple-choice) prioritise speed over measuring actual skills and understanding, shaping teaching methods that do not prepare students for work.
The engineer has a history of campaigning for more self-rule in Ladakh [Reuters]
"There needs to be some planning of what the world and the country are likely to look like in 15 years," Wangchuk told the BBC.
He advocates for greater emphasis on hands-on experience and aptitude in exams, believing such changes would encourage schools to teach differently and help address persistent graduate unemployment—reported at roughly 35–40% for decades.
Ongoing Repercussions And Political Effects
Reports say many protesters linked to the Cockroach Janta Party still face court cases, police harassment and online abuse, despite a Supreme Court direction advising authorities against coercive action for those with no prior criminal record. Wangchuk, however, believes the movement has already shifted political dynamics: the delay before the minister's resignation, he says, allowed young people to build unity and confidence.
He points to recent by-election losses suffered by the ruling BJP, including a seat in Bihar held for decades, as evidence the government is feeling pressure. Still, Wangchuk maintains hope that leaders can acknowledge mistakes and change course.
Non-Violent Protest And Personal Resolve
Back in his hometown of Leh in Ladakh twelve days after ending his fast, Wangchuk said the experience reaffirmed his belief in hunger strikes as a form of non-violent resistance, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He has previously fasted to press for greater autonomy for Ladakh and to oppose ecologically damaging projects. Although those campaigns did not fully achieve their goals, he believes peaceful self-sacrifice prompts different government responses than violent confrontation.
Asked about running for office, Wangchuk declined, saying he prefers to enable others to take leadership roles rather than stand for election himself.
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