Opposition leaders rally behind Sonam Wangchuk, urge him to end hunger strike

As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 17th day on Tuesday, leading Opposition leaders across the country appealed to him to call off the fast, citing his worsening health while reaffirming support for his campaign over alleged examination irregularities.

Prominent political leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray, Arvind Kejriwal and Mahua Moitra, among others, extended their support to Wangchuk as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged exam irregularities.

Wangchuk, who is on his 17th day of hunger strike today, joined the already ongoing CJP agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite hunger strike since then.

According to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, the climate activist has lost over 8.5 kg weight and his blood pressure as of today (Tuesday) is at 109/70.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav urged Wangchuk to call off his indefinite hunger strike, saying his life was “invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy.”

“We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy.”

Several other prominent Opposition leaders, including Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav and Aam Aadmi Party convener Arvind Kejriwal, have also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.

In a phone call with Dipke, the Shiv-Sena leader expressed concern over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, urging the climate activist to end his indefinite hunger strike.

Sharing details of the conversation on X, Dipke wrote: “Had a call with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who expressed deep concern over Sonam Sir’s rapidly deteriorating health. He earnestly appealed to Sonam Sir to end his hunger strike, saying that his well-being is of utmost importance.”

TMC leader Mahua Moitra, who has been a supporter of the party since the beginning, also urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike.

“Your fast has united this country’s youth in their war for justice. Your goal is reached. Govt doesn’t care about your life or that of crores of youth. But your life matters to us. Pls call off fast & continue the fight,” she said in a post on X.

TMC leader Sagarika Ghosh also extended her support for the climate activist, saying that the opposition will raise the issue of Cockroach Janta Party in the parliament during the monsoon session.