As Sonam Wangchuk enters the 19th day of his indefinite fast against NEET irregularities, his weight has plummeted to 57.15 kg. He has called for a massive 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20.

Key Takeaways

  • Sonam Wangchuk's weight has dropped to 57.15 kg during his fast.
  • The protest demands the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET irregularities.
  • A 'Chalo Sansad' peaceful march to Parliament is scheduled for July 20.
  • Prominent leaders including Shashi Tharoor have appealed for him to end the fast.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has reached a critical juncture as renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk enters his 19th day of an indefinite hunger strike. In a recent video message, a visibly frail Wangchuk stated, "I'm not in good shape, but not so bad either," highlighting the precarious nature of his health while maintaining his resolve.

Medical Crisis and Physical Deterioration

According to medical bulletins, the 59-year-old activist's physical condition is deteriorating rapidly. His weight has dropped to 57.15 kg, marking a loss of nearly 8.9 kg since the commencement of his fast. While medical professionals report that he remains conscious and mentally alert, he is under 24-hour medical supervision due to low blood sugar and significant weight loss. The situation has become so dire that a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking urgent medical intervention and potential force-feeding to save his life.

The Core Demand: Accountability in NEET

The hunger strike, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is a direct response to the widespread controversies surrounding the NEET examinations. The protesters are demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him accountable for paper leaks and systemic irregularities that have jeopardized the future of millions of students. The protest is not limited to Wangchuk; several student leaders from organizations like AISA are also undergoing similar health crises on the streets of Delhi.

Political Response and the Road to Parliament

The movement has garnered immense attention from India's political elite. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor issued an emotional appeal, urging Wangchuk to end his fast as he has already "awakened the conscience of the nation." Other leaders, including Mamata Banerjee and Arvind Kejriwal, have also voiced concerns. However, rather than yielding to calls to break the fast, Wangchuk has redirected the energy of his supporters toward a larger goal: the 'Chalo Sansad' march. On July 20, protesters plan to march toward Parliament to demand transparency and accountability in the national examination system.