Congress Member of Parliament Shashi Tharoor has written an open letter urging activist Sonam Wangchuk to conclude his indefinite hunger strike. Tharoor expressed that Wangchuk’s protest has significantly “awakened the conscience of the nation” and suggested that the dialogue surrounding student issues should now transition to Parliament.

Tharoor directed his most poignant appeal to Wangchuk, stating, “To Shri Sonam Wangchuk-ji, my heartfelt appeal: please end your fast. You have awakened the conscience of the nation; that is what a fast is meant to do.” He highlighted the importance of Wangchuk’s voice for the soon-to-reconvene Parliament as it represents the highest forum of democracy.

The MP emphasised that problems concerning students should be addressed in legislative discussions, rather than through extreme measures such as a hunger strike. His letter underscored the urgent need for dialogue ahead of Parliament’s opening on Monday.

Health Concerns Amid Protests

Despite Tharoor’s appeals and concerns over his health, Wangchuk has continued his hunger strike, which has now reached its eighteenth day. Reports indicate that he is experiencing severe pain and has lost muscle mass. Concurrently, calls for him to end the fast have been increasing, alongside pleas for the government to engage in discussions.

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for the past 25 days concerning the NEET exam issue, has announced a five-point charter for examination reform. The party leaders claimed that their agitation is garnering support from a variety of political factions as they seek constructive changes in the education system.

Notable figures, including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, and Arvind Kejriwal, have publicly urged Wangchuk to end his fast. Additionally, veteran actor Zeenat Aman has called upon the government to initiate dialogue to prevent the potential loss of Wangchuk, whom she described as “one of India’s greatest minds”.

Legal Action and Continued Protests

As concerns over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health grow, a petition has been submitted to the Delhi High Court seeking legal intervention for him to be force-fed. The petition claims that Wangchuk has lost 8.5 kg and faces the risk of death if he continues without sustenance.

The CJP’s protest against the NEET examination has marked its 25th day, with the party reiterating its demands for examination reforms through the aforementioned five-point charter. Amid Wangchuk’s ongoing fast, the CJP has remained active, advocating for systemic changes in the educational assessment processes.

In his letter, Tharoor extended solidarity to the students gathered at Jantar Mantar and throughout the country, noting that their frustrations reflect the wider disenchantment felt by a generation. He shared insights from his upbringing, highlighting how scholarships and fair exams contributed to his opportunities in life. Tharoor cautioned that the erosion of trust in exam systems disproportionately affects ordinary families and that it is crucial to safeguard merit-based evaluation for all students.

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