Snehashish roy
Actor Imran Khan has voiced his support for education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, criticising what he described as a lack of accountability in the alleged NEET paper leak controversy. The actor shared a statement on social media as Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its third week, with growing concern over the activist’s deteriorating health.
Taking to Instagram, Imran questioned why those responsible for the alleged examination irregularities had not been held accountable despite widespread outrage among students and parents. He said the issue extends beyond a single examination and reflects the need for transparency and responsibility in institutions that shape the future of millions of young people. According to the actor, students who spend years preparing for competitive examinations deserve a fair and credible evaluation system.
Imran also expressed solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk, who began an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of students protesting against alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demanding reforms in the examination system. Wangchuk has also called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.
In his post, Imran said accountability is the cornerstone of any democracy and stressed that institutions lose public trust when mistakes are not acknowledged or addressed. He argued that the burden of systemic failures should never fall on students, many of whom dedicate years of effort preparing for entrance examinations.
The actor further noted that the concerns raised by students deserve to be heard rather than ignored. Referring to the protests, he said the movement is about restoring confidence in the education system and ensuring that merit remains the deciding factor in admissions. He urged authorities to engage with the issues being raised and work towards long-term reforms.
Wangchuk’s protest has drawn increasing attention from across the country as reports indicate that his health has deteriorated during the fast. According to recent updates, the activist has lost significant weight but has refused to end the hunger strike, maintaining that his demands are centred on ensuring fairness, transparency and accountability in the examination system.
The protest has also received support from several public figures in recent days. Actors including Omi Vaidya, Zeenat Aman and Atul Kulkarni have appealed for dialogue while expressing concern over Wangchuk’s health. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has also urged the activist to end his fast while assuring him that his voice remains important in the campaign for educational reforms.
The Delhi High Court has also taken note of Wangchuk’s condition, directing the Centre and the Delhi government to regularly monitor his health. Observing that “life is precious”, the court emphasised the need to ensure that the activist receives appropriate medical attention during the ongoing protest.
The alleged NEET paper leak controversy has continued to trigger protests by students and activists, with demands ranging from greater transparency in examination processes to institutional reforms aimed at preventing future irregularities. The issue has become a focal point of nationwide discussions on the integrity of competitive examinations and the accountability of agencies responsible for conducting them.
Imran Khan, who has largely remained away from films in recent years, has occasionally spoken on social and public issues through social media. His latest statement adds another voice from the entertainment industry to the growing calls for accountability in the examination system and support for students affected by the controversy.
As Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues and concerns over his health mount, public figures from different fields continue to express solidarity with the movement. Imran Khan’s remarks have added to the wider conversation surrounding examination reforms, institutional accountability and the need to restore confidence in India’s education system.