Sonam Wangchuk Hunger Strike Day 19: Congress Appeals to Activist To End Fast, Backs Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Resignation

The Indian National Congress on Thursday officially appealed to renowned educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike. The appeal came as Wangchuk’s fast at Jantar Mantar entered its 19th day, raising serious concerns over his rapidly deteriorating health. Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28, 2026, demanding systemic reforms in India’s examination system and the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest has been organized in collaboration with the youth-led "Cockroach Janta Party" (CJP) following widespread controversies surrounding national competitive exams.

Congress Backs Resignation Demand, Cites Exam "Collapse"

In a public statement released on X (formerly Twitter), Congress General Secretary K.C. Venugopal expressed deep solidarity with Wangchuk's protest. He emphasized that the opposition party has been demanding the Education Minister’s resignation for more than a month and a half. "We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi government-for the collapse of the examination system in particular," Venugopal stated. Chinmayi Sripada Urges Sonam Wangchuk To End Hunger Strike Amid Alarming Health Deterioration (View Post).

While endorsing his grievances, the Congress leadership urged Wangchuk to prioritize his well-being. "In view of his health condition, we appeal to Shri Wangchuk to end his fast," Venugopal wrote, promising that the political opposition would continue to press the government for accountability.

Growing Health Concerns and Judicial Intervention

As the fast enters its third week, medical reports indicate that the 59-year-old reformer has lost nearly nine kilograms. He remains under round-the-clock medical monitoring at the protest site. The mounting risk to his life prompted legal action, with the Delhi High Court directing the central and state governments to ensure daily clinical evaluations. The court remarked that "the life of any citizen is precious" and ordered immediate medical intervention if his vitals fall to dangerous levels.

Despite his physical weakness, Wangchuk released a video message confirming his heart and core vitals remain stable. He urged supporters to keep the momentum going rather than focusing solely on his health. Fact Check: Did Deepika Padukone Support Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike? Truth Behind Viral ‘Failed Leader’ Post.

'We Appeal to Sonam Wangchuk to End His Fast'

Shri Sonam Wangchuk has now been on a hunger strike for 19 days, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

The Indian National Congress has been making this very demand for over a month and a half. We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels,…

— K C Venugopal (@kcvenugopalmp) July 16, 2026

What Triggered the Protest?

The ongoing unrest stems from major irregularities in national examinations earlier this year. The controversial cancellation of the NEET-UG entrance exam on May 12 over alleged question paper leaks, alongside major software glitches in CBSE's On-Screen Marking process, left millions of students in limbo.

The subsequent public outrage intensified following a series of student suicides linked to the academic uncertainty. While the government conducted a retest in June, critics argue that the lack of institutional accountability has shattered public trust in the country's testing agencies. With the monsoon session of Parliament underway, the opposition is gearing up to raise the issue on the floor, promising that Wangchuk's demands will remain central to their legislative push.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 05:37 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).