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Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk has reportedly lost more than 5 kg and is facing a steady decline in his health as his indefinite
hunger strike entered its seventh day, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed Saturday.
Wangchuk has joined the CJP's protest against Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, demanding his resignation over the NEET exam paper leak case.
In a post on X, Dipke said Wangchuk's health was deteriorating with each passing day and questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not removed Pradhan despite what he described as the deaths of 20 students over the NEET exam paper leak case. "Sonam Sir has lost 5 kg, and his health is deteriorating with each passing day. How much longer will the Prime Minister wait before sacking Dharmendra Pradhan?" Dipke wrote.
Wangchuk Begins Hunger Strike
Wangchuk began his indefinite fast at Jantar Mantar on June 28 in support of the CJP's campaign demanding Pradhan's resignation. The agitation is linked to allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations and broader concerns about accountability in India's education system. Hundreds of students, youth activists and supporters have participated in the protests.
According to updates shared by Dipke and other organisers, Wangchuk's blood pressure and blood sugar levels have also fallen during the fast. Protest organisers have repeatedly appealed to the government to engage with the demands being raised at the demonstration site.
Opposition Leaders Join Protest
The protest has also drawn support from opposition leaders. Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra recently joined the agitation and accused the government of ignoring concerns raised by students and activists.
Wangchuk, a Ramon Magsaysay Award winner and the education innovator who inspired the character of Phunsukh Wangdu in the film 3 Idiots, has long been associated with campaigns on education reform and public accountability. In recent years, he has also led high-profile protests on Ladakh-related issues and environmental concerns.
