Investment – Sonam Wangchuk Calls for Nationwide Support as Hunger Strike Continues in Delhi
Investment – Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has urged people across India to extend their support to his ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, where he has begun an indefinite fast demanding reforms in the education sector, stronger environmental safeguards and greater government accountability. As the protest entered its second day on Monday, Wangchuk encouraged citizens to either participate at the protest venue or organise symbolic one-day hunger strikes in their own towns and villages to express solidarity.
Appeal for Public Participation
In a video message shared by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, Wangchuk invited people from across the country to become part of the movement. He said that several supporters had already joined him in Delhi and welcomed others to contribute, even if only for a single day.
According to Wangchuk, those unable to travel to the national capital could still participate by observing a peaceful one-day fast in their respective states, districts or villages. He said such efforts would send a strong message in favour of better education policies, environmental protection, cleaner air and water, and a more responsive system of governance.
Protest Linked to Education Reform Demands
The indefinite hunger strike began on Sunday at Jantar Mantar alongside an ongoing protest organised by the Cockroach Janta Party. The campaign seeks the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations and calls for greater accountability within the country’s education system.
Before launching the fast, Wangchuk and Dipke visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, underlining their commitment to a peaceful and non-violent movement inspired by Gandhian principles.
Call for Greater Accountability
While addressing supporters on the opening day of the protest, Wangchuk said that India must place greater emphasis on quality education if it aims to achieve long-term national development. He argued that recent developments in the education sector have raised serious concerns and highlighted the need for corrective measures.
According to the activist, meaningful reform should begin with accountability at the highest level. He described the resignation of the education minister as an important first step towards restoring public confidence in the system and ensuring that educational institutions receive the attention and investment they deserve.
Wider Concerns Beyond Education
Wangchuk had previously announced that he would begin an indefinite fast if the government failed to respond to at least one of two key demands. These include the CJP’s call for accountability in the education system and stronger measures to protect Ladakh’s fragile environment, cultural heritage and democratic rights.
The activist has consistently maintained that environmental conservation and sustainable development in Ladakh remain closely connected to the region’s future and should receive greater policy attention.
Allegations Over Protest Facilities
Meanwhile, Abhijeet Dipke alleged that essential facilities at the protest site were disrupted soon after Wangchuk started his hunger strike. In a post on X, he claimed that water supply and sanitation services at Jantar Mantar had been disconnected.
Dipke further stated that repeated requests to authorities, including concerns regarding Wangchuk’s age and health during the fast, had not resulted in any improvement. He also expressed apprehension that additional basic amenities could be withdrawn if the situation remained unchanged.
As of Monday, there was no official response available regarding the allegations made about the facilities at the protest site.