Health Concerns Rise as Sonam Wangchuk Loses 8.5 kg During 17-Day Hunger Strike

Several opposition leaders on Tuesday appealed to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. The leaders expressed concern over his deteriorating health while reaffirming their support for the ongoing protest against alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations. According to the protest organisers, Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kilograms since beginning his fast on June 28. His prolonged hunger strike has drawn nationwide attention, with political leaders and activists urging him to prioritize his health. Despite their appeal, they maintained that the movement has successfully highlighted concerns about examination transparency and accountability.

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Akhilesh Yadav and Kejriwal Urge End to Hunger Strike

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged Wangchuk to call off his fast, saying his life was too valuable to be put at risk while trying to convince the BJP-led government. Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal also appealed to the activist to end his hunger strike, assuring him of the party’s full support for the movement. Kejriwal announced that he would visit Jantar Mantar on Thursday evening and described Wangchuk as a national asset. He added that democratic struggles could continue through other peaceful means without endangering one’s health.

Kejriwal also backed the Cockroach Janta Party’s demands and renewed calls for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over the alleged examination irregularities. He urged the government to implement stronger reforms in the examination system to prevent future paper leaks and ensure fairness for students. Meanwhile, former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi met Wangchuk at the protest site on Monday and expressed solidarity with his campaign. Opposition leaders continued to support the protest while stressing that Wangchuk’s health should remain the top priority.

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Health Concerns Grow as Hunger Strike Enters 17th Day

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra also appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, stating that he had already succeeded in uniting young people across the country in their fight for justice. In a post on X, she said the government might not value the lives of protesting students, but Wangchuk’s life remained precious to those supporting the movement. She encouraged him to continue the campaign through other democratic methods after ending the hunger strike. Her appeal echoed similar concerns raised by several political leaders and supporters.

A day earlier, a group of eminent citizens, including writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, and economist Jayati Ghosh, also requested Wangchuk and fellow protesters to end their fast while backing their demands. The Cockroach Janta Party launched the protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations. The organisation has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20 to intensify its campaign for examination reforms and greater accountability.

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