Climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi on Saturday, 18 July after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. The development prompted All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to express serious concern and call for him to be moved to a private facility.

Why Wangchuk Is on Hunger Strike

Wangchuk, the Ladakh-based social activist and innovator, began his indefinite fast on 28 June after the Centre failed to respond to demands he had set a deadline for on 27 June. His strike is tied to the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)'s protest movement, which launched at Jantar Mantar on 20 June demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and the broader paper leak controversy. Wangchuk was part of the movement from its inception.

What Mamata Banerjee Said

Banerjee voiced her concern in a post on X, stating that Wangchuk's appeal for dialogue had been met with weeks of silence. 'Deeply concerned about Sonam Wangchuk's health and well-being. He asked only for dialogue, yet his appeal has been met with silence for weeks. In a democracy, peaceful dissent deserves engagement, not silence. His voice has been ignored, just as the voices of countless young Indians continue to be ignored,' she said.

Reacting further to his hospitalisation, Banerjee argued he should be permitted to shift to a private hospital, with citizens bearing the cost if necessary. 'A government that treats dissent as a threat instead of a democratic obligation cannot demand trust while evading accountability,' she added.

CJP's Response and the Chalo Sansad March

Following Wangchuk's hospitalisation, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced on X that he had begun his own indefinite fast in solidarity. The organisation confirmed its planned 'Chalo Sansad' march on 20 July will proceed as scheduled. Dipke had earlier expressed gratitude toward Banerjee after she telephoned him on 14 July to enquire about Wangchuk's condition and extended her support to the movement.

Background and Broader Context

The NEET-UG controversy has been one of the most politically charged education disputes in recent years, with allegations of paper leaks triggering student protests across multiple states. Wangchuk — widely known for his work in Ladakh on sustainable innovation — lent the protest significant public visibility. This is at least the second time Banerjee has publicly backed the CJP's campaign, signalling the issue's traction beyond student circles. The Centre has not publicly responded to Wangchuk's demands as of 18 July.

With the 'Chalo Sansad' march approaching and Wangchuk's health under watch, pressure on the government is likely to intensify in the coming days.