Indian educator and environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Wednesday that he will not end his hunger strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. His statement came after Health Minister J.P. Nadda assured him that the government would consider assistance for affected students’ families and review the resignation issue. Despite expressing gratitude, Wangchuk said he would continue fasting until the government acts in line with the demands of students and youth.

Following his message, the Cockroach Janata Party declared that its protest movement would continue until their demands are met. The party’s founder, Abhijit Deep, urged Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the movement would carry on inspired by his efforts. Hundreds of demonstrators remained at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar despite heat, humidity, and intermittent rain, with food and supplies arriving from across India through volunteers and delivery apps.

Authorities have deployed 20 companies of central security forces from West Bengal to Delhi and closed several metro stations. The protests stem from allegations of a leaked NEET medical entrance exam paper and the reported suicides of at least 20 students.