NEET Protest – Public Figures Urge Hunger Strikers to End Fast, Back Resignation Demand
NEET Protest – A group of well-known public figures has appealed to protesters observing an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to end their fast, while reaffirming support for their demand that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan step down over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The appeal comes amid growing concern over the health of those participating in the prolonged protest.
Concern Over Protesters’ Health
In a joint statement issued on Monday, the signatories expressed appreciation for the determination shown by the demonstrators and acknowledged their efforts in highlighting issues affecting students and young people across the country. At the same time, they urged those on hunger strike to prioritise their health and discontinue the fast, stressing that the broader campaign for accountability would require sustained leadership in the coming months.
The statement described the ongoing movement as a long-term struggle rather than a short-term campaign, encouraging protesters to preserve their strength for future efforts. It also noted that continued fasting could have serious health consequences if the concerns raised by the protesters remain unaddressed.
Appeal Highlights Need for Long-Term Leadership
According to the statement, the signatories believe the protest has played a significant role in drawing national attention to the issue. However, they expressed concern that the government’s alleged lack of response to the demands could place the fasting participants at even greater medical risk.
The appeal emphasised that safeguarding the health of protest leaders is essential, as they remain central to the continuation of the movement seeking greater transparency and accountability in the education system.
Hunger Strike Enters Advanced Stage
The appeal was issued as the Cockroach Janta Party’s protest at Jantar Mantar completed its 24th day. Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has now spent 16 days on an indefinite hunger strike after joining the demonstration on June 28.
Organisers stated that Wangchuk has lost approximately 8.2 kilograms since beginning his fast. They also shared his latest medical readings, reporting a blood pressure of 107/70 mmHg and a blood glucose level of 67 mg/dL, indicating continued monitoring of his health.
Meanwhile, AISA activist Deepak, who began his hunger strike on June 28, was admitted to Delhi’s Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital on Monday after his condition reportedly worsened.
Call for Public Participation
The joint statement also encouraged residents of Delhi to participate in the organisation’s planned march to Parliament on July 20. The proposed march is scheduled to coincide with the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and is expected to be a key event in the ongoing campaign.
Supporters believe the march will provide another opportunity to raise concerns related to the alleged examination irregularities and seek greater accountability from the authorities.
Eminent Citizens Sign the Statement
The appeal was signed by several prominent personalities from literature, cinema, academia and civil society. Among them were writer Arundhati Roy, actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, economist Jayati Ghosh, academics Anuradha Chenoy, Nivedita Menon, Tanika Sarkar and Aditya Nigam, filmmaker Sanjay Kak, activist Lalita Ramdas, Kavita Srivastava, feminist Madhu Bhushan and cultural practitioner Arundhati Ghosh.
The Cockroach Janta Party has been leading the protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities linked to the NEET examination. The organisation has also announced its Parliament march for July 20 as part of its continuing campaign