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Kejriwal Backs Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar Rally

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal supports Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, demands Education Minister's resignation

Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Mumbai Alert · Politics Desk
Politics Desk · Mumbai Alert News · Thu, 16 July 2026 at 06:49 pm
Kejriwal Backs Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar Rally

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), extended his support to activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Thursday. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 19 days, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy.

Kejriwal arrived at the protest site and met Wangchuk, praising his resolve and saying that he was risking his life for the future of students and young people across the country. The AAP leader was accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh and Delhi unit chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal urged the Centre to heed the demands of protesting students and Wangchuk, warning Prime Minister Narendra Modi that ignoring the aspirations of the youth could have serious political consequences. He drew a parallel with the Congress government's defeat in 2014, saying that governments that become arrogant and fail to listen to public sentiment eventually face electoral setbacks.

Kejriwal also proposed that Wangchuk be appointed as the country's next education minister, saying that India needs an educational revolution and a reformer like Wangchuk can bring about that change. He suggested that Prime Minister Modi remove Dharmendra Pradhan and appoint Wangchuk as the Union Education Minister.

According to organisers, Wangchuk has lost nearly nine kilograms during his 19-day fast. The protest has gained support from opposition parties, including the Samajwadi Party and the Trinamool Congress. The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has also called for a march to Parliament on March 20, with organisers expecting a larger turnout amid growing political backing.

The NEET paper leak controversy has sparked widespread protests and demands for the resignation of the Education Minister. The AAP has been vocal in its support for the protesting students and Wangchuk, with Kejriwal saying that the Centre must take immediate action to address the issue.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has gained significant attention, with many calling for systemic changes in the education system. The demand for Wangchuk to be appointed as the Education Minister has also gained traction, with many seeing him as a reformer who can bring about positive change.

As the protest continues, it remains to be seen how the Centre will respond to the demands of the protesting students and Wangchuk. The AAP's support for the protest has added significant weight to the movement, and it will be interesting to see how the situation unfolds in the coming days.

In conclusion, the support of Arvind Kejriwal and the AAP for Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike has added significant momentum to the protest. The demand for the resignation of the Education Minister and the appointment of Wangchuk as his replacement has gained traction, and it will be interesting to see how the Centre responds to the situation. The protest highlights the need for systemic changes in the education system and the importance of listening to the aspirations of the youth.

The significance of this protest cannot be overstated, as it highlights the growing discontent among the youth with the current education system. The demand for reform and the appointment of a new Education Minister is a call for change that resonates with many across the country. As the situation continues to unfold, it will be important to watch how the Centre responds to the demands of the protesting students and Wangchuk.

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