Preity Zinta urges govt dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk on day 23 of fast
Synopsis
On day 23 of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike over the NEET paper leak and exam irregularities, actress Preity Zinta has broken ranks with celebrity silence and publicly demanded government dialogue — as protests at Jantar Mantar turned violent and Delhi Police drew fire for a lathi-charge that reportedly did not spare women, children, or senior citizens.
Key Takeaways
Preity Zinta on 21 July urged the government to begin meaningful dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk via a post on X (formerly Twitter) .
Sonam Wangchuk entered day 23 of his indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan .
On 18 July , Delhi Police forcibly removed Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar after 21 days of fasting, citing a Delhi High Court order and his deteriorating health.
On 20 July , a lathi-charge at Jantar Mantar led to violent clashes; protesters included women, children, and senior citizens.
The agitation is rooted in the NEET paper leak controversy and broader concerns about integrity in competitive examinations.
Actress Preity Zinta on Tuesday, 21 July publicly called on the government to open meaningful talks with activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk, who entered his 23rd day of an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in India's competitive examination system, including the high-profile NEET paper leak. The appeal, posted on X (formerly Twitter), adds a prominent celebrity voice to a protest movement that has already spilled into violent confrontations on the streets of New Delhi.
What Preity Zinta Said
In her post, Zinta wrote: “I hope our govt starts a meaningful dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and the student bodies so his health does not deteriorate any further! Please end your fast Sonam. Your health is as important as this fight.”
She added: “You and the students are fighting for the future of India and for our youth. My heartfelt & unwavering support to every student & to Sonam in this fight to uplift & upgrade our educational system. More power to all of you. Jai Hind.”
Background: Why Wangchuk Is on Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk launched his indefinite fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations. The agitation gained national momentum following the NEET paper leak controversy, which triggered protests across major Indian cities.
On 18 July, after completing 21 days of fasting, Wangchuk was forcibly removed by Delhi Police from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in the early hours and shifted to a hospital. Authorities cited his deteriorating health, medical advice, and compliance with a Delhi High Court order as reasons for the removal.
Protests Turn Violent
Rather than dampening the agitation, the removal appeared to intensify it. On 20 July, protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar, where police resorted to a lathi-charge, resulting in violent clashes. Reports indicate that women, children, and senior citizens were among those subjected to the crackdown — a detail that drew sharp criticism from observers and opposition voices alike.
In response, Wangchuk stated he would continue his hunger strike, citing the “mistreatment meted out to the protestors” as justification for pressing on.
Wider Impact and Political Context
The exam paper leak controversy has become one of the most charged political flashpoints of recent months, with the NEET irregularities drawing scrutiny from the Supreme Court and multiple opposition parties. The protests have spread to Mumbai, New Delhi, and other cities, reflecting a broad base of student frustration with the integrity of national entrance examinations.
Notably, this is not the first time a high-profile fast at Jantar Mantar has escalated into a confrontation with law enforcement, but the scale of the current agitation — and the involvement of a figure as widely respected as Wangchuk — has given it unusual staying power.
What Happens Next
As of 21 July, the government had not publicly responded to calls for dialogue, and Wangchuk's health remained a point of concern for supporters. Whether the Centre engages with student bodies and protest leaders — or allows the standoff to continue — will likely determine whether the agitation subsides or escalates further in the days ahead.
Point of View
But Preity Zinta's appeal is a signal of how far the Sonam Wangchuk agitation has penetrated mainstream consciousness. The more telling story, however, is the government's silence: 23 days into a fast by a nationally recognised figure, with student protests turning violent and a lathi-charge drawing outrage, the Centre has yet to offer a credible public response. The NEET paper leak is not merely an administrative failure — it is an integrity crisis for India's examination system, and the political cost of inaction is compounding daily. The Delhi Police's removal of Wangchuk on a court order, followed almost immediately by a crackdown on protesters, risks converting a reform demand into a law-and-order narrative — which rarely ends well for the government that frames it that way.
NationPress
21 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?
Sonam Wangchuk launched an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in competitive examinations, most notably the NEET paper leak. He entered day 23 of his fast on 21 July.
What did Preity Zinta say about Sonam Wangchuk?
Preity Zinta posted on X (formerly Twitter) urging the government to begin a meaningful dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk and student bodies before his health deteriorates further. She also expressed 'heartfelt and unwavering support' for students fighting to improve India's educational system.
Why was Sonam Wangchuk removed from Jantar Mantar?
Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site in the early hours of 18 July, after he completed 21 days of fasting. Authorities cited his deteriorating health, medical advice, and compliance with a Delhi High Court order as the reasons for the removal.
What happened at Jantar Mantar on 20 July?
Protesters gathered again at Jantar Mantar on 20 July and were met with a lathi-charge by police, resulting in violent clashes. Reports indicate that women, children, and senior citizens were among those affected, drawing widespread criticism.
What is the NEET paper leak controversy?
The NEET paper leak refers to alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test, India's primary medical entrance examination. The controversy triggered protests across major cities and has drawn scrutiny from the Supreme Court and opposition parties, forming the backdrop of Wangchuk's hunger strike.
