Kathmandu [Nepal], July 15 – Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated during his 18-day hunger strike in New Delhi over alleged exam paper leaks prompting opposition leaders and supporters to urge him to end the protest.
Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar since June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) whose founder Abhijeet Dipke is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over a medical entrance exam paper leak.
The protest is linked to the cancellation of a key medical college entrance examination in May after allegations of a paper leak affected millions of students.
According to CJP, Wangchuk has lost 8.5kg since beginning his fast and his health condition continues to worsen. In a health update shared by the group, his supporters said his blood pressure and sugar levels had dropped.
Wangchuk, 59, was seen resting on a mattress at the protest site on Tuesday.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the group had tried to convince Wangchuk to end his hunger strike but he remained determined to continue.
A young protester who was also on hunger strike was taken to hospital after his health deteriorated.
Several opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to withdraw his fast. Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said Wangchuk’s life was “invaluable” and urged him to protect his health.
The protesters are demanding that Pradhan take moral responsibility for the exam paper leak and resign. Pradhan has rejected the demand, accusing the CJP and its supporters of being “the B-team of disruptive elements”.
The CJP, founded by Abhijeet Dipke describes itself as representing “the lazy, the unemployed and the chronically correct”. The group gained significant attention online after its launch in May.
Wangchuk, an engineer, educationist and climate activist from Ladakh is known for his work on sustainable solutions for the Himalayan region including the development of artificial glaciers known as ice stupas.
He gained wider recognition after inspiring a character in the Bollywood film 3 Idiots and receiving the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2018.
The protesters have announced plans to march towards India’s parliament on July 20 to press their demands.
