Published Jul 16, 2026 | 5:24 PM ⚊ Updated Jul 16, 2026 | 5:24 PM
Sonam Wangchuk. (abhijeet_dipke/ X)
Synopsis: Appealing Wangchuk to end his hunger strike in view of his deteriorating health condition, he added, “His concerns are our concerns and that of other Opposition parties as well. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the Education Minister’s resignation.”
Congress MP and AICC general secretary KC Venugopal on Thursday, 16 July, appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his fast, as it enters day 19. He has been on the hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
His fast is in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting over the alleged leaks and irregularities in the NEET-UG medical entrance examination, seeking accountability and action from the government.
Noting that the Congress has been making this very demand for over a month and a half, Venugopal wrote on X, “We share the anguish and outrage that Shri Wangchuk ji feels, especially due to the lack of accountability within the Modi Govt – for the collapse of the examination system in particular.”
Appealing Wangchuk to end his hunger strike in view of his deteriorating health condition, he added, “His concerns are our concerns and that of other Opposition parties as well. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the Education Minister’s resignation.”
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
Also Read: Modi ignores Sonam Wangchuk but solidarity trumps physical and emotional toll of a hunger strike
Meanwhile, Delhi High Court disposed of the public interest litigation seeking urgent medical intervention for Sonam Wangchuk on Wednesday and directed the Centre to ensure daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk, and observed that the government should undertake any medical intervention required to improve his deteriorating health.
According to Bar and Bench, a Bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia passed the order after the Central and Delhi governments said that Wangchuk’s health shall be monitored on a daily basis by government doctors.
As per the petition, Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated rapidly; he has lost 8.5 kg and if he continues with his hunger strike, he could end up losing his life in two days.
If he passes away, it would be a matter of great shame for the country and the world, the plea said.
