More support pours in as Wangchuk continues hunger strike on 20th day
Sonam Wangchuk’s 20-day hunger strike, the planned Parliament march, and student solidarity in Delhi bring protest rights, public health, and democratic dissent into focus.
- Sonam Wangchuk continued an indefinite hunger strike on day 20 and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
- A physician said Sonam Wangchuk had lost weight, showed mild dehydration, and remained mentally alert.
- The Delhi High Court directed observation by government-appointed doctors for Sonam Wangchuk.
- Three students named Neha, Ameen, and Manish were advised not to continue walking and were told to use wheelchairs for the rest of the fast.
What happened
Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike on day 20 and demanded the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. A physician said Wangchuk had lost weight, showed mild dehydration, and remained mentally alert.
Support also built around the protest. Congress leaders, an NCP(SP) lawmaker, and Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker visited or expressed solidarity. Wangchuk also urged people to join the proposed Parliament march on July 20.
UPSC can use the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike case to test the balance between the right to protest, state response, judicial oversight, and the ethics of prolonged fasting as a form of political mobilisation. The parallel student fast in Delhi adds a governance and public-health angle.
