A series of significant developments unfolded overnight in the ongoing nationwide protests over alleged NEET examination irregularities. While climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the government would introduce a new bill in Parliament to impose stricter punishments for paper leaks.
The Centre also reshuffled the Higher Education Department, the Opposition continued to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and student protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) showed no signs of slowing down.
PM Modi Announces Tough Anti-Paper Leak Bill
In a video message released late Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Union Cabinet would discuss a proposed anti-paper leak bill before introducing it in Parliament next week.
According to the Prime Minister, the legislation will include stringent punishment for those involved in examination paper leaks and provide for fast-track courts to ensure quicker justice. He said the government aims to pass the bill at the earliest during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The announcement came amid growing public outrage over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and increasing demands for reforms in India’s examination system.
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A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)
A post shared by Narendra Modi (@narendramodi)
Sonam Wangchuk Ends 26-Day Hunger Strike
Late Thursday, Sonam Wangchuk ended his indefinite hunger strike at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram in the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda, Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh, his wife Gitanjali J. Angmo, and members of the Ladakh Apex Body.
Wangchuk described the moment as the “end of hunger and the beginning of accountability.”
The activist said he decided to end the fast after the government provided written assurances that peaceful protesters would not face legal action. The Centre also promised a detailed discussion in Parliament on examination reforms and paper leak issues while positively considering compensation for families of students who allegedly died by suicide following the NEET controversy.
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Government Reshuffles Higher Education Leadership
In another major bureaucratic move, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed senior IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as the new Secretary of the Department of Higher Education under the Ministry of Education.
He replaces Vineet Joshi, who has been transferred to the Department of Panchayati Raj. The late-night reshuffle has drawn attention as it comes at a time when the Education Ministry is facing intense scrutiny over the NEET controversy.
Opposition Continues Attack on Government
Despite the Centre’s announcements, Opposition leaders remained firm on their demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi criticised Prime Minister Modi’s late-night video message, calling it a distraction from the main issue. He reiterated that students are demanding accountability and urged the government to act against those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities instead of making announcements.
Security Tightened Across Delhi
Authorities maintained heavy security arrangements across Delhi as protests continued.
Several roads around Jantar Mantar remained under restrictions, while 17 Delhi Metro stations were temporarily closed due to security concerns. Businesses in Connaught Place also shut earlier than usual after traders were advised to prioritise public safety.
Delhi Police detained several students heading towards Jantar Mantar as a preventive measure, stating that the action was taken to prevent unlawful gatherings. Many of those detained were later released after verification.
Kejriwal and Delhi Police Spar Online
The ongoing protests also sparked a political exchange between Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Delhi Police.
After rumours surfaced about a possible police crackdown on protesters, Delhi Police clarified on social media that no such action was planned. Responding to the statement, Kejriwal took a swipe at the police, thanking them for clarifying there would be no crackdown “tonight” while questioning what would happen later.
Protests Continue Despite Wangchuk Ending Fast
Although Wangchuk has ended his hunger strike, the Cockroach Janta Party has made it clear that the larger movement is far from over.
Student groups continue to press for a transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak, comprehensive examination reforms, and accountability from those responsible. With Parliament set to debate the issue and the government preparing new legislation, the coming days are expected to be crucial in determining the future course of the nationwide protest movement.
