On Saturday, former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed deep concern about the health of climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi due to a deterioration in his health during his ongoing hunger strike. Banerjee, the Trinamool Congress leader, took to X to voice her concerns, stating that Wangchuk’s voice, like those of many young Indians, has been ignored. She emphasized that in a democracy, peaceful dissent deserves engagement, not silence.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike, which began on June 28, demands the central government’s accountability over alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The development came on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Following this, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced that its founder Abhijeet Dipke had begun his indefinite fast, and their planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 will continue as scheduled.
Banerjee reacted to the development, stating that Wangchuk should have been taken to a private hospital, with citizens free to bear the cost if needed. She emphasized that public trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic rights, not by suppressing peaceful protests or refusing dialogue. Banerjee had extended her support to the CJP’s movement in Delhi on July 14 and enquired about Wangchuk’s physical condition over the phone.
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📰 Source: Mangalorean News