Education Accountability – Sonam Wangchuk Says Hunger Strike Will Continue Until Government Responds

Education Accountability –  Activist Sonam Wangchuk has announced that his indefinite hunger strike will continue unless the government accepts responsibility for alleged shortcomings in the education system or political leaders formally assure him that the matter will be raised in Parliament.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk has said he will not end his ongoing indefinite fast after the proposed “Sansad Chalo” march unless there is a clear commitment from the government or Members of Parliament to address concerns surrounding the education sector. His statement comes amid continuing protests demanding greater accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and paper leak incidents.

Hunger Strike Linked to Government Action

In a handwritten message shared through social media on Monday, Wangchuk clarified the conditions under which he would conclude his fast. He said he had earlier informed supporters that he was prepared to end the protest if the government acknowledged responsibility for recent failures affecting the education system, including examination paper leaks.

According to Wangchuk, if no such response is received from the authorities, his fast will continue even after the planned march toward Parliament. He stated that his decision would remain unchanged despite concerns regarding his health.

Assurance From Parliament Leaders Also an Option

Wangchuk said another possible outcome could bring his protest to an end. He explained that if leaders of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and he reached the gates of Parliament, and Members of Parliament from different political parties assured them that the issue would be discussed during the parliamentary session, he would consider ending the hunger strike.

He further added that if his medical condition prevented him from reaching Parliament, political leaders could instead visit him at the hospital and provide the same public assurance regarding raising the matter in the House.

Allegation of Illegal Detention

In the same note, Wangchuk claimed he was being kept under what he described as “illegal detention” at Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi. He alleged that restrictions had been placed on his movement, communication and ability to speak freely while receiving treatment.

The activist’s remarks have added another dimension to the ongoing protest, with supporters continuing to question the circumstances under which he was shifted from the demonstration site to the hospital.

Family Appeals for Peaceful Protest

Earlier, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, had said he would be willing to end his fast if political representatives visited him and promised that the issue of accountability in the education sector would be taken up during the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

She also urged participants of the “Sansad Chalo” march to remain peaceful throughout the demonstration. Angmo appealed to supporters to ensure that the protest stayed disciplined and was not diverted from its stated purpose.

Protest Began at Jantar Mantar

Wangchuk joined a protest led by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar on June 28, where he launched his indefinite hunger strike. The campaign has focused on demanding greater accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including reported paper leaks.

The CJP has also sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that stronger action is needed to restore confidence in the examination system.

Hospital Shift Followed Health Concerns

Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital during the early hours of July 18 after his health reportedly worsened following 21 days without food.

Supporters alleged that he was forcibly removed from the protest site and mishandled during the transfer. However, Delhi Police rejected those allegations and maintained that the decision to move him to the hospital was taken solely on medical grounds to ensure he received necessary treatment.