New Delhi: The indefinite hunger strike led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk reached a critical juncture today, with his health deteriorating significantly as the agitation enters its 15th day. As the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Jantar Mantar hits its 23rd day, the focus remains firmly on the escalating demand for accountability regarding alleged examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
According to the latest medical update provided by the organizers, Mr. Wangchuk’s condition has become increasingly concerning. His blood pressure has dropped to 104/66 mm Hg, and he has endured a total weight loss of 7.8 kg since he began his fast on June 28. Despite the physical toll, the protest site remains a hub of activity, with various political leaders and public intellectuals happened to visit throughout the day to express their solidarity.
The scheduled line-up included interaction with former Kerala Ministers K.K. Shylaja, K.N. Balagopal, and P. Rajeev, alongside an address from Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj. The day is reported to conclude with a public lecture by renowned economist Jayati Ghosh, who will dissect the “Economics of Unemployment”, a central theme of the ongoing protest.
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In a video message shared on X yesterday, a resolute Mr. Wangchuk urged supporters to shun the search for external heroes. “Be the hero of your own life,” he stated, emphasizing the importance of fulfilling individual civic responsibilities. He also called for a massive turnout for the proposed march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to pressure MPs into addressing the persistent issue of examination mismanagement.
Beyond the demand for the Minister’s resignation, the CJP is seeking ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who died by suicide due to the alleged system failures. As the protest continues to gather momentum, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of a movement that refuses to fade into the background.
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