The Central government is being “insensitive” to the climate activist Sonam Wangchuk amid his ongoing hunger strike, says Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, further urging the High Court to take cognisance of the matter. Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, demanding accountability over examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG paper leak, and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Speaking today in Nagpur to the media, Raut said, "The High Court should take cognisance. They should take responsibility for the NEET paper leak and seek the resignation of the minister concerned. It has now been 20 days of Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. His condition is very serious, with the possibility of organ failure. Are these reports not reaching the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, or President Droupadi Murmu? They are being insensitive."
Wangchuk’s health parameters on Friday showed his weight at 56.55 kg, a reduction of 350 grams in 24 hours. His blood pressure was recorded at 108/68, blood sugar at 70 mg/dL, and pulse rate at 72 per minute, according to Dr Satish Lamba of the Delhi Medical Association. Addressing a press conference, Dr Lamba said Wangchuk was experiencing mild dehydration and that continuous medical monitoring was being carried out.
"As explained earlier, when the body does not receive glucose, protein, and carbohydrates, changes occur. The initial stage involved fat loss, followed by muscle loss and the formation of ketone bodies in urine. Now, at this third stage, organ involvement is possible. The medical team is maintaining 24-hour vigilance and continuous monitoring," Dr Lamba said.
The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed that Wangchuk's medical condition be clinically monitored on a daily basis during his hunger strike and said all efforts should be made by authorities to protect his life. The court's direction came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) seeking intervention over concerns regarding Wangchuk's health.
On the government's response to the protest, Dipke said Wangchuk had made it clear that he was continuing the hunger strike voluntarily.
"Sir himself said that he is sitting there of his own accord and will not get up until accountability is fixed in the country. If the government listens to him, the issue will end right here and so will the hunger strike," he said, adding that several Opposition parties had extended support to the planned Parliament march on July 20.
“Almost all opposition parties have given us their support for July 20. Some parties will openly declare it in the next day or two," Dipke said.
Wangchuk, an engineer, education reformer and climate activist from Ladakh, began his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar demanding accountability over examination irregularities and the NEET paper leak controversy.
Follow us
