Social activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk began an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi to protest alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). She demands the resignation of the Union Education Minister and a full inquiry into the alleged cheating. After more than three weeks, her weight has dropped by over 9 kg, raising serious health concerns.

Umar Abdullah’s Sharp Criticism

Jammu & Kashmir Chief Minister Umar Abdullah took to X (formerly Twitter) to label the centre’s response as “complete insensitivity”. He recalled that the Manmohan Singh government had met anti‑corruption crusader Anna Hazare and requested him to end his fast, contrasting it with the current BJP administration’s silence on Wangchuk’s plight. By invoking Hazare’s legacy, Abdullah positions himself on the side of moral authority and accountability.

Centre’s Silence

To date, neither the Union Government nor the Ministry of Education has issued a formal statement regarding Wangchuk’s hunger strike or Abdullah’s accusations. A petition filed in the Delhi High Court seeks immediate medical intervention, including the possibility of force‑feeding, due to her deteriorating health. Opposition parties have seized on the silence as evidence of governmental indifference, while the government maintains that it is following standard administrative procedures.

Political Context

Abdullah’s remarks are not merely about a health crisis; they also reflect the BJP’s waning popularity in Jammu & Kashmir. Since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, dissenting voices have grown louder, and high‑profile statements such as this aim to rally regional support. Moreover, the criticism threatens to tarnish the BJP’s national image as a party detached from grassroots concerns, especially on sensitive issues like education and public health.

Potential Outcomes

If the centre fails to act swiftly, the issue could expand beyond a regional protest, fueling broader national debate and increasing pressure on the BJP from opposition parties. Medical experts warn that prolonged fasting could become life‑threatening, further inflaming public sentiment. The BJP now faces a strategic choice: intervene decisively to end the hunger strike and address the underlying NEET allegations, or attempt to reframe the episode as a political distraction.