Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalized After 21-Day Hunger Strike Over NEET Irregularities

Medical Crisis and Hospitalization

Medical updates issued by the hospital indicated that long-term fasting and dehydration had left the activist extremely weak. While his condition is currently stable, hospital staff have mandated continuous monitoring and treatment to restore his vital bodily functions to normal levels. Before his transfer, medical professionals had warned that the risk of organ failure had increased significantly, noting that Wangchuk had lost 8.9kg during the 20-day period leading up to his hospitalization.

Abhijit Dipke and the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar

Political Reaction and the CJP Protest

The hunger strike, which began on June 28, has attracted broad attention. Following Wangchuk’s removal from the protest site, CJP founder Abhijit Dipke announced the commencement of an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar to ensure the movement continues. The CJP is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has seen significant support from various public figures. Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav visited the site on Thursday and joined the call for the Education Minister’s resignation. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal stated that the country needs an education minister like Wangchuk, while Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) national spokesperson Rakesh Tikait also visited the site to meet with the protesters. Congress leader Pawan Khera was also among those who visited the site to show solidarity.

Actor Aamir Khan addressed the situation at the London Indian Film Festival, stating, I am concerned about Sonam Wangchuk’s health. I hope he ends his fast soon. Khan also clarified that the film 3 Idiots was not based on Wangchuk, noting that he did not even know him when the film was being produced.

Potti Sriramulu’s 58-day fast that compelled Jawaharlal Nehru

Historical Context of the Hunger Strike

The ongoing events have sparked debate regarding the history and intent of hunger strikes in India. While some critics of Wangchuk’s protest have labeled the tactic as stubbornness or blackmail, historical records suggest a more complex legacy. According to the book Gandhiji Ki Dinwari by Chandulal Dalal, Mahatma Gandhi undertook approximately 30 fasts between his return from South Africa in 1915 and his death on January 30, 1948. Crucially, records indicate that only four of these fasts were directed against the British government.

Gandhi viewed the hunger strike as a final step of satyagraha against a system or government, but he frequently utilized the method to address errors or shortcomings among his own close colleagues, for which he held himself responsible. A major objective of his fasts was to maintain Hindu-Muslim unity and to oppose those engaging in violence. He conducted his first 21-day fast for Hindu-Muslim unity in 1924 and began another fast-unto-death for the same purpose approximately two weeks before his assassination.

The 1932 fast in Yerwada Jail remains one of the most controversial in history, as it was held in opposition to the British Prime Minister’s announcement of a separate electoral system for Dalits. Furthermore, the legacy of the hunger strike in independent India was cemented by Potti Sriramulu, a disciple whom Gandhi once praised by stating, If I had 11 followers like Sriramulu, I could free the country in a year. Sriramulu’s 58-day fast-unto-death forced Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to concede to the formation of an Andhra state, initiating the reorganization of Indian states on linguistic lines.

Chalo Sansad march scheduled for July 20

Future Uncertainties

Despite his health crisis, Wangchuk had expressed a desire to remain alive until July 20, the date set for the CJP’s “Chalo Sansad” (Parliament) march. He had appealed to his supporters to gather in large numbers on this day, stating that they intended to present their case within the temple of democracy. With the movement continuing under the leadership of the CJP, the focus remains on the government’s response to the demands for educational reform and the ongoing visibility of the protest at Jantar Mantar.

Sources: BBC, in.headtopics.com.