Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has shown deep concern for the health of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was hospitalized after being shifted from the protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. Banerjee highlighted that Wangchuk’s plea for dialogue has been met with silence, echoing the ignored voices of many young Indians.
Sonam Wangchuk was transferred to Safdarjung Hospital due to a decline in his health on the 21st day of his hunger strike. His protest aims to hold the central government accountable for alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and calls for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
In response to these events, Mamata Banerjee emphasized the need for Wangchuk to be moved to a private hospital, emphasizing the importance of transparency and respect for democratic rights. Banerjee criticized the government’s handling of dissent, stating that trust is built on accountability and dialogue, not suppression of peaceful protests.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has initiated an indefinite fast following Wangchuk’s hospitalization. The CJP’s planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 will proceed as scheduled. Banerjee had previously extended her support to the CJP’s movement and expressed solidarity with the cause seeking justice for students affected by the NEET paper leak controversy.
