Indian activist Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike as 'Cockroach' protesters vow to press on - AP News

What the report says

The Associated Press reported that Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike on Friday in New Delhi, but protesters aligned with India’s “Cockroach” movement said they would keep demonstrating. The campaign has drawn thousands of mostly young participants demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and broad changes to the country’s examination system.

According to AP, Wangchuk’s fast became a rallying point for protests that have spread across the country amid anger over exam paper leaks and calls for accountability. Demonstrators were shown in New Delhi on July 24, 2026, raising slogans during a Cockroach Janta Party protest, while AP also reported gatherings in Mumbai and the capital where some protesters defied new restrictions.

The movement’s public face includes Abhijeet Dipke, identified by AP as founder of the Cockroach Janta Party. Protesters have framed their demands around education reform and fairness in public exams, an issue with high stakes in India because competitive tests can determine access to universities and government jobs. AP reported that talks with government officials are continuing, but organizers say more demonstrations are planned.

The protests have become a significant political challenge for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. AP said Modi publicly addressed the issue for the first time this week, though protesters indicated that would not end their campaign. Wangchuk’s decision to stop fasting may ease immediate health concerns, but the demonstrations appear set to continue around demands for ministerial accountability and examination reforms.