HungerStrike – Sonam Wangchuk Continues Fast as Calls for Government Dialogue Grow
HungerStrike –Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has continued his indefinite hunger strike despite growing concern over his worsening health and repeated appeals from political leaders, public personalities and supporters asking him to end the protest. The fast, which entered its 17th day, has become a focal point of wider demonstrations linked to education reforms and demands for greater accountability in India’s public examination system. Organisers say Wangchuk remains committed to his stand and believes meaningful discussions with the government are the only way forward.
Health Condition Raises Fresh Concern
According to members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Wangchuk’s physical condition has weakened considerably during the prolonged fast. The group said he has lost nearly 8.5 kilograms and is now experiencing muscle loss along with severe physical discomfort.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said several people had urged Wangchuk to stop fasting, but the activist remained firm in his decision. Dipke quoted him as saying that instead of requesting him to end the protest, attention should be directed towards why the government has not initiated dialogue despite repeated appeals.
The health of several other participants involved in the hunger strike has also become a matter of concern. Organisers said some protesters continue their fast while receiving regular medical supervision.
Political Leaders Appeal for End to Fast
As reports about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health spread, leaders from multiple political parties publicly appealed to him to call off the hunger strike. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Uddhav Thackeray and Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal were among those who expressed concern and requested him to safeguard his health.
Dipke said Mamata Banerjee personally spoke with Wangchuk over the telephone to enquire about his condition. According to him, she encouraged the activist to remain strong while extending support to the movement seeking justice for students affected by examination-related issues.
Public Figures Support Dialogue
Several well-known personalities also voiced concern over the activist’s condition. Veteran actor Zeenat Aman appealed to the government to open discussions with Wangchuk, saying the country should not allow one of its respected public voices to suffer without constructive engagement.
Actor Omi Vaidya, recognised for his role in the film 3 Idiots, also appealed for greater public attention to Wangchuk’s health. He expressed hope that the situation would not reach a tragic outcome and urged authorities to respond through dialogue.
Examination Reform Charter Released
While concern over Wangchuk’s health continued, the Cockroach Janta Party unveiled a five-point charter proposing extensive reforms to India’s public examination system. The announcement was made during a press conference where party representatives argued that repeated examination paper leaks over the past decade reflected deeper structural shortcomings.
The organisation alleged that there is no comprehensive official record documenting such incidents and questioned the level of accountability under the existing legal framework. It also claimed that no convictions have been secured under the current Public Examinations Act.
Among its recommendations, the group proposed replacing the existing legislation with a Public Examinations (Transparency, Accountability and Candidates’ Rights) Act. It also called for dissolving the National Testing Agency (NTA) and establishing a statutory National Testing Commission.
Additional proposals include compulsory audits of examination agencies by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), the appointment of an independent Examinations Ombudsman, adoption of a Students’ Rights Charter and creation of a National Aspirants Welfare Fund.
Protest Movement Continues Ahead of Parliament March
The CJP, which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, has reiterated its demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Meanwhile, preparations are continuing for the organisation’s proposed “Chalo Sansad” march scheduled for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said more than 1.3 lakh people have registered support for the planned march through the group’s missed-call campaign.
Separately, the All India Students’ Association (AISA) confirmed that activist Deepak, who had been admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after his health deteriorated, was discharged on Tuesday morning. The organisation said its remaining activists—Neha, Manish and Aameen—continue their indefinite hunger strike from a separate stage at the protest venue.