New Delhi: Opposition leaders have appealed to educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, expressing concern over his deteriorating health while extending support to the ongoing protest. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal urged Wangchuk to call off the fast, stating that there are other ways to continue the struggle. Kejriwal also announced that he would visit Jantar Mantar on July 16 to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the protesters.
Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also requested Wangchuk to end his fast, describing his life as invaluable and questioning the Centre’s response to the protest. According to organisers, Wangchuk has lost over 8 kilograms since beginning his indefinite fast on June 28 and has started losing muscle mass. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk refused requests to end his fast, instead urging people to ask the government why it had not initiated dialogue with the protesters.
The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The protest has entered its 24th day, while Wangchuk’s hunger strike has reached its 17th day. Organisers have announced a march to Parliament on July 20, as political leaders continue to back the protest and call for action on the group’s demands.
