As Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike has entered its 20th day, the Congress party has backed up the protest as the health condition of the climate activist and education reform advocate is on the decline and it's a big political decision. Wangchuk, who is fasting at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, has refused to stop his protest and is repeating his criticism of the Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan for examination irregularities, including the leak of NEET paper.
According to sources in the party, Sonia Gandhi personally urged the party leadership to extend support to Wangchuk's agitation. The decision was motivated by a historical parallel dating back more than four decades.
Sonia Gandhi Recalls 1984 Hunger Strike
Congress leaders have drawn comparisons between Sonam Wangchuk's protest and the hunger strike launched by his father Sonam Wangyal, in 1984. Wangyal, a prominent politician from Ladakh and former Cabinet Minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government, launched a hunger strike demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for the people of Ladakh.
According to historical accounts, the protest attracted national attention which then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi visited Leh. She persuaded Wangyal to stop his fast by offering him a glass of juice after assuring him the Centre would consider Ladakh’s long-standing demand for ST status. The Congress now sees similarities between that movement and Wangchuk’s current campaign, which it believes raises a pressing public issue.
Opposition leaders rally behind Wangchuk
The Congress is not the only opposition party backing the activist. A number of opposition leaders have visited Wangchuk in Jantar Mantar to show solidarity and to push the government to talk to him.
Pawan Khera, the chairman of the Congress delegation, visited the protest site and praised Wangchuk's commitment, while Karnataka Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao described him as a person who has always worked for education and environmental causes.
The protest has also been backed by leaders of Aam Aadmi Party and Samajwadi Party, who have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike due to concerns about his health and at the same time to the Centre to act on his demands.
Wangchuk Determined to Continue
Wangchuk, despite repeated appeals, is still holding on to fasting. And on Friday, he admitted to his worsening physical condition, but that his determination still remained.
"I am weak from the outside but very strong from the inside. We need strength for July 20 when we will peacefully march to Parliament and place our demands before the temple of democracy," he said.
Wangchuk added, in a lighter moment that drew cheers from supporters, “I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If the march is not successful, I will come back as a ghost.”
Health still is a concern
Wangchuk’s health is now in a critical state, his doctors have said. He has lost approximately 9.5 kg since starting his hunger strike and now weighs 56.55 kg according to a recent medical bulletin.
His vital signs are monitored all the time. His blood pressure was 108/68 mm Hg, blood sugar was 80 mg/dL, pulse rate 72 beats per minute and oxygen saturation was 96 per cent according to the latest health report. Medical experts warn that a long-term fast in a patient can lead to serious complications if it continues for longer.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has asked the authorities to keep Wangchuk’s health in their hands, and that life must be the main priority.
As Wangchuk prepares for a planned peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, his protest has transcended personal and political protests into a political effort. Now with the Congress and several opposition parties openly promoting him, the pressure on the Centre to act is mounting, even as concerns for the activist’s health grow.
