Sonam Wangchuk loses 5 kg on hunger strike, health declining amid NEET protest

New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk, an activist on hunger strike for the past six days demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has lost over five kilograms of body weight, according to Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janata Party. In a video on Saturday, Dipke said that Wangchuk's medical check-up showed declining blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Dipke urged the government to take action against Minister Pradhan, stating that Wangchuk would continue his hunger strike until the demand is met. He also called on the public to gather at Jantar Mantar to show solidarity, emphasising that Wangchuk is risking his life for students.

The protest, now on its 14th day, began on June 20 over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) and other examination systems. The protesters are demanding accountability and the resignation of the Education Minister. The demonstration has drawn support from various political leaders and civil society members, including CPI(M) general secretary M A Baby, senior CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, CPI general secretary D Raja, CPI(ML) Liberation general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya, social activist Yogendra Yadav, Supreme Court lawyer Prashant Bhushan, CPI leader Annie Raja, transparency activist Anjali Bhardwaj, RTI activist Nikhil Dey, and TMC MP Sagarika Ghose.

Additionally, six students affiliated with the Left-wing All India Students' Association (AISA) continued their indefinite hunger strike from a separate stage at the protest site. Dipke also indicated that the agitation would raise other accountability issues, including electoral matters such as the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.

The health update on Wangchuk has raised concerns among supporters, with calls for medical intervention even as the protest continues. The government has not yet responded to the demands.