On July 16, opposition leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, gathered at Jantar Mantar to express their support for activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike for 19 days, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the recent NEET-UG paper leak. The leaders voiced solidarity with the ongoing protests and highlighted the need for government accountability.

Kejriwal specifically called for Pradhan’s resignation and suggested that Wangchuk be appointed as the next Union Education Minister. He urged the central government to pay attention to the grievances of the youth and hinted that a lack of response could lead to a political fate similar to that of the Congress-led UPA II in 2014. His comments were directed towards motivating the government to heed the demands of the demonstrators.

While addressing the gathering, Kejriwal stated, “Listen to the youth, the movement, and Sonam Wangchuk; otherwise, the central government will face serious consequences”. He positioned his call for change within the broader context of student concerns about the education system.

Responses from Other Opposition Leaders

Dimple Yadav called for a compassionate approach from the government, urging it to engage in dialogue with Wangchuk. She stated that values of compassion are integral to the principles of Sanatan Dharma and expressed disappointment at the current political climate, encouraging the BJP to reflect on their treatment of such crucial issues.

Samajwadi Party MP Ruchi Veera echoed these sentiments, emphasising that Wangchuk’s protest is aimed at benefiting youth rather than himself. She lamented the lack of engagement from government officials and highlighted the urgency for a response from the administration during Wangchuk’s fast.

Shiv Sena (UBT) spokesperson Sushma Andhare and leader Aaditya Thackeray also expressed their solidarity, with Thackeray accusing the BJP-led government of focusing more on divisive politics rather than addressing pressing concerns, particularly the recent paper leak. The criticism from various parties underscores a unified front against perceived governmental indifference.

Congress Joins the Call for Change

The Congress party has similarly voiced its support for Wangchuk, reiterating demands for Pradhan’s resignation. Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal highlighted Wangchuk’s ongoing struggle and underscored the party’s shared commitment to addressing the issues he raises about the examination system. He urged Wangchuk to prioritise his health but assured that the party would continue to advocate for accountability within the government.

Congress leader Dinesh Gundu Rao described the government’s response as “arrogant and insensitive,” urging Wangchuk to reconsider his hunger strike as the situation seems unyielding. He characterised the current political climate as challenging and called for collective efforts to protect democracy.

In parallel, Congress has initiated its own campaign, ‘Chhatron Ki Goonj,’ led by Rahul Gandhi, aiming to address irregularities in various examination processes, which coincides with Wangchuk’s demands.

Amid these developments, the Delhi High Court has mandated daily medical monitoring of Wangchuk’s health during his hunger strike. The court emphasized the importance of safeguarding the life of every citizen, directing government authorities to act swiftly should medical intervention be required. This ruling highlights the legal and ethical responsibilities of the government regarding Wangchuk’s well-being.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share