Sonam Wangchuk claims Centre promised to consider Pradhan’s resignation over NEET paper leak row

Centre Promised to Consider Pradhan’s Resignation: Sonam Wangchuk

Theindiapostdaily.com – Sonam Wangchuk claims Centre promised to review the Education Minister’s potential resignation following the NEET paper leak controversy. The climate activist shared this development on Wednesday, July 22, stating that the Union government committed to evaluating whether Dharmendra Pradhan should step down from his position.

The announcement came during broader discussions about accountability measures related to the examination paper breach. In a public letter, Wangchuk thanked Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh for visiting him at the hospital. Both ministers reportedly assured him that Parliament would hold a meaningful debate on accountability, which would include examining the Education Minister’s possible departure.

“A meaningful discussion in Parliament to ensure accountability, including consideration of the resignation of the Hon’ble Education Minister.”

The activist also mentioned that authorities agreed to provide adequate financial assistance to families of students who died by suicide after the suspected NEET paper leak. However, the central government has not yet officially confirmed Wangchuk’s account as presented in his letter.

Fast Conditions and Parliamentary Support

Wangchuk continues his open-ended hunger strike demanding transparency about NEET examination irregularities and educational reforms. After the ministerial visit, around 65 parliamentarians from different political parties wrote to him, urging him to end his protest.

Many lawmakers had already met with him individually, with more meetings expected. Explaining his position in writing, Wangchuk shared his thoughts on the matter:

“I agree with them. I want to live. I want to return to my students, to education, and to the work that has defined my life. But I cannot do so at the cost of the very young people for whom this movement began.”

He stated he would quickly conclude his fast if the government provided a public guarantee protecting movement participants from legal action. Such assurance would convince him that officials understood not only his personal request but also the aspirations of millions of young Indians.

“If such an assurance is given, I shall end my fast with faith that the Government has heard not only my appeal but also the aspirations of lakhs of young Indians.”

Without this commitment, however, he warned he would continue his indefinite fast.

“In the absence of such an assurance, I will be forced to continue my fast indefinitely.”

Protester Safety at Jantar Mantar

Another important issue raised by Wangchuk concerned the safety of demonstrators at Jantar Mantar. He referred to the Chalo Sansad march on July 20, describing it as mostly peaceful despite what he called excessive police intervention.

The activist commended protesters for demonstrating democratic values and hoped authorities would refrain from harsh responses. He characterized the gathering as harmonious, noting that international observers witnessed the demonstrators’ patience and commitment to nonviolent protest.

“The Chalo Sansad march on 20 July 2026 remained very peaceful despite the atrocities and disproportionate use of force by the police. The entire nation and the world witnessed their patience and commitment to democratic protest.”

He further called on the government to avoid heavy-handed approaches toward future protesters. In his letter’s conclusion, Wangchuk emphasized that democratic strength would be judged by how the state treats its youth when they speak out boldly.

“The future of our democracy depends not on how it treats those who agree with it, but on how it treats its young citizens when they dare to speak with courage, hope and conviction.”

One key issue remained unresolved according to Wangchuk. He formally asked for a clear guarantee that no young protesters would face retaliatory legal proceedings merely for participating in the movement.

“Therefore, I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the Government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system.”