Activist Sonam Wangchuk continues an indefinite hunger strike for 19 days, seeking accountability for NEET examination irregularities. While the protest has drawn national attention and support from various public figures, concerns are mounting over his health and the government's response to the demands for ministerial resignation.
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has reached the 19th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. His protest centers on demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, citing alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
Wangchuk reported a significant reduction in his weight, which has dropped to 57.15 kg, representing a loss of nearly 9 kg since the commencement of the fast. Despite his physical decline, he continues to remain under medical observation and insists on maintaining his protest. The agitation, which is being supported by various student groups, has now moved into a critical phase as organizers prepare for a planned 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on July 20.
Several political leaders, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, and AAP's Arvind Kejriwal, have publicly appealed for Wangchuk to end his fast, noting that his efforts have successfully elevated the issue of exam transparency into the national discourse. Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation has been filed in the Delhi High Court. This legal move seeks the court's intervention regarding the medical care and safety of the protesters, with the petitioner raising concerns about the potential need for medical measures if health continues to deteriorate.
The protest is backed by a broad coalition of over 1,800 individuals, including academics and artists, who are urging the demonstrators to preserve their health for a sustained effort while still advocating for the primary demands. The organizers, led by the group Cockroach Janta Party, have expressed disappointment with the lack of direct government engagement regarding the allegations of systemic failure in the examination process.
Investors and observers are monitoring the situation as the planned march on July 20 approaches. The key developments to follow include any formal government response to the examination transparency concerns, the outcome of the ongoing legal proceedings in the Delhi High Court, and how the planned march to Parliament impacts the overall momentum of the movement.