Environmentalist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk entered the 17th day of his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Tuesday, with supporters expressing growing concern over his deteriorating health after he reportedly lost 8.5 kilograms since beginning the fast on June 28.

Wangchuk launched the protest demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak and broader concerns regarding the country's examination system.

Supporters associated with the protest said his physical condition has weakened considerably, prompting renewed appeals from political leaders, public figures and supporters for him to end the fast.

Health Concerns Intensify

According to organisers of the protest, Wangchuk's health has steadily declined during the prolonged fast. They said he has experienced significant weight loss and muscle weakness, raising concerns about his well-being.

CJP founder Abhijit Dipke said supporters have repeatedly requested Wangchuk to end the hunger strike. However, he quoted Wangchuk as saying, "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why it is not negotiating."

Dipke alleged that the government has not initiated any dialogue despite repeated appeals and warned that Wangchuk's health continues to deteriorate.

Political Leaders Appeal For Dialogue

Several political leaders across party lines have urged Wangchuk to end his fast while asking the government to engage with the protesters.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav criticised the Centre, alleging that the government was ignoring the concerns raised through the protest.

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced that he would visit Jantar Mantar on July 16 to extend support to Wangchuk and the protesters.

Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying his life was valuable and the movement should continue through other democratic means.

Former Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray also expressed support for the protest and appealed to Wangchuk to call off the indefinite fast.

Actor Omi Vaidya and veteran actor Zeenat Aman also voiced concern over Wangchuk's health, urging the government to begin discussions with the protesters.

Background Of The Protest

Wangchuk began the hunger strike seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, including the reported paper leak. The protest has drawn support from students, education activists and opposition leaders demanding reforms in the examination system.

Supporters maintain that the movement aims to ensure transparency and restore public confidence in competitive examinations.

Previous Agitation And Detention

Wangchuk has also been associated with campaigns seeking full statehood for Ladakh.

According to his supporters, he was previously detained under the National Security Act (NSA) following unrest during an earlier phase of his agitation in September 2025. They claim he spent 170 days in Jodhpur jail after being arrested in connection with the protests.

The government had earlier alleged that violence during the agitation resulted from incitement, an allegation denied by Wangchuk's supporters.

Government Yet To Respond

The Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which is backing the agitation, has accused the government of remaining unresponsive despite repeated requests for talks.

Supporters have reiterated that the immediate priority is opening negotiations to address Wangchuk's demands while ensuring his health does not deteriorate further.

As the indefinite fast enters its third week, attention remains focused on whether the Centre initiates dialogue or the protest continues amid growing concerns over Wangchuk's medical condition.