Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day on Tuesday, with politicians, actors, and academics urging the education activist to end the fast due to deteriorating health. The protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET irregularities.
Appeals from political and cultural figures
Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, and Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra have publicly requested Wangchuk to prioritize his health. Yadav called Wangchuk’s life "invaluable," while Moitra argued the movement had already mobilized youth nationwide.
Actor Omi Vaidya, referencing Wangchuk’s inspiration for the film 3 Idiots, said, "I don’t want Phunsukh Wangdu to die." A joint statement from Arundhati Roy, Naseeruddin Shah, and others praised the protest’s courage but urged an end to the fast, calling it a "marathon, not a sprint."
Health concerns and government response
Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since June 28, with his blood pressure at 107/70 mmHg and glucose at 67 mg/dL. Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke noted Wangchuk’s muscle loss and pain but quoted him as saying, "Ask the government why they won’t even have a dialogue."
AISA activist Deepak was hospitalized on Monday after his health deteriorated during the strike, now in its 24th day. The protesters plan to march to Parliament on July 20 as the Monsoon Session begins.
