Protest – Samajwadi Party Leaders Urge Sonam Wangchuk to End Indefinite Fast
Protest – Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike has entered its 25th day, drawing growing concern from political leaders and supporters over his health. Amid mounting anxiety, a delegation from the Samajwadi Party is scheduled to meet Wangchuk at Medanta Hospital in New Delhi on Wednesday evening with a formal request asking him to end his fast.
The party delegation plans to hand over a written appeal signed by several Members of Parliament. Samajwadi Party MP Rajeev Rai said the appeal places greater importance on Wangchuk’s health and urges him to discontinue the hunger strike. According to Rai, the party believes preserving the activist’s well-being should be the immediate priority while democratic efforts to pursue the movement’s objectives continue.
Political Leaders Seek End to Hunger Strike
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. As the protest entered its 25th consecutive day, concerns over the physical impact of the prolonged fast have continued to grow among political representatives, civil society groups and supporters.
The Samajwadi Party’s initiative follows similar appeals from several individuals associated with the ongoing campaign, who have argued that Wangchuk’s continued participation in public life is more valuable than extending the fast under increasingly serious health conditions.
Activists Promise Demonstrations Will Continue
Earlier in the day, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) activist Abhijeet Dipke also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while assuring supporters that the protest movement would continue regardless of his decision.
In a message shared on X, Dipke said the country needs Wangchuk and that his life should not be placed at further risk. He maintained that demonstrations at Jantar Mantar would continue peacefully until the movement’s principal demands are fulfilled.
Dipke further stated that ending the hunger strike would not weaken the campaign for accountability. He reiterated that protesters remain committed to continuing demonstrations even if Wangchuk accepts requests to discontinue his fast.
Call for Peaceful Public Movement
Addressing supporters, Dipke urged everyone participating in the demonstrations to maintain peace and discipline throughout the protest. He said the campaign’s commitment to non-violent methods remains unchanged and appealed to participants not to deviate from peaceful forms of public expression.
He also highlighted the seriousness of Wangchuk’s condition after spending 25 days without food, saying the prolonged fast presents a significant risk to his health. According to Dipke, protecting Wangchuk’s life has become an urgent concern while ensuring that the movement’s objectives continue through peaceful public action.
Hospital Shift After Court Directions
On Tuesday, Wangchuk was transferred from Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram following directions issued by the Delhi High Court. The transfer came amid increasing medical attention surrounding his condition after nearly four weeks of fasting.
Sources also indicated that Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh and Union Health Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda visited Medanta Hospital on Tuesday night to enquire about Wangchuk’s health.
As appeals from political parties, activists and supporters continue, attention remains focused on whether Wangchuk will respond to requests to end his indefinite fast while the broader protest campaign carries on through peaceful demonstrations.