Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday extended support to activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk during his ongoing indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, warning that the BJP government could face political consequences if it ignores his demands.
Addressing supporters after meeting Wangchuk, Kejriwal recalled the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare, which also began at Jantar Mantar. He argued that the mass movement eventually contributed to the fall of the Congress-led UPA government and claimed that the current administration could face a similar public backlash if it failed to respond to Wangchuk's appeal.
Praising Wangchuk for sacrificing his health in support of students and education reforms, Kejriwal urged the Centre to engage in meaningful dialogue. He also demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, suggesting that Wangchuk should be considered for the country's top education post.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health after a public interest petition highlighted the risks posed by his prolonged fast. The court observed that the government must take every necessary step to protect his life.
According to the latest medical bulletin issued by organizers of the protest, Wangchuk has completed 19 days of fasting. Doctors reported that he remains conscious and mentally alert but is physically weak and under continuous medical observation. His weight has reportedly dropped by nearly nine kilograms since the hunger strike began, raising concerns about his condition as calls for government intervention continue to grow.
