'Requested Him To Break His Fast': Nadda After Meeting Sonam Wangchuk, Says Centre Will Respond To Letter

Published 22 July 2026 · local

'Requested Him To Break His Fast': Nadda After Meeting Sonam Wangchuk, Says Centre Will Respond To Letter Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 21:23

'Requested Him To Break His Fast': Nadda After Meeting Sonam Wangchuk, Says Centre Will Respond To Letter Published By, Last Updated: July 22, 2026, 21:23 IST Wangchuk said he would end his hunger strike if the Centre gave an assurance that no punitive action would be taken against students and youth who participated in the protest. Union Minister and BJP President JP Nadda addresses a press conference at the BJP headquarters, in New Delhi. (@BJP4India/X via PTI Photo) Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Wednesday said he urged activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite fast during a visit to him at Medanta Hospital, adding that the Centre would respond to the open letter Wangchuk wrote after their meeting. Speaking to reporters, Nadda said he and Union Minister Jitendra Singh had visited Wangchuk after he was shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta. “We went to inquire about his well-being. He had been shifted from Safdarjung Hospital to Medanta.

Since he was in the ICU, the environment there was very restricted. During our visit, we inquired about his health and well-being. We also requested him to break his fast, join the mainstream, and guide the children in the right direction," Nadda said. He added that the government remained open to dialogue on the issues raised by Wangchuk. “Our government is open to discussions on all issues and is always willing to address them. Today, he wrote me an open letter. We will respond to that letter, and after responding, we will ensure that the talks move forward," the minister said. Earlier in the day, Wangchuk said he would end his indefinite hunger strike if the Centre gave an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory action would be taken against students and youth who participated in the protest against the alleged examination irregularities. In his letter addressed to Nadda and Jitendra Singh, Wangchuk said the two Union ministers had assured him during their meeting that the government would positively consider his demands for adequate compensation to the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak, as well as a meaningful discussion in Parliament on examination irregularities, including the demand for accountability.

However, Wangchuk said one issue remained unresolved. “I respectfully request an unequivocal assurance from the government that none of the young protesters will face any punitive or retaliatory legal action for participating in this movement. Their only ‘offence’ has been to raise their voice for a fair and accountable education system," he wrote. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered Will the government accept Sonam Wangchuk's demands? The government has stated it is open to discussions on the issues raised by activist Sonam Wangchuk. Union Minister JP Nadda urged Wangchuk to end his fast and stated the Centre would respond to his open letter. What happens if the students face legal action? Sonam Wangchuk stated he would end his hunger strike if the Centre provided an unequivocal assurance that no punitive or retaliatory legal action would be taken against students and youth who participated in the protest.