Akhilesh Yadav To Shabana Azmi: Politicians, Celebrities Unite In Support For Sonam Wangchuk
Akhilesh Yadav To Shabana Azmi: Politicians, Celebrities Unite In Support For Sonam Wangchuk Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 12:03 IST More than 1,800
Akhilesh Yadav To Shabana Azmi: Politicians, Celebrities Unite In Support For Sonam Wangchuk Published By, Last Updated: July 16, 2026, 12:03 IST More than 1,800 artistes, academics, writers and social activists have also backed Wangchuk's protest and appealed to him to preserve his health while continuing the movement. Rapid Read Wangchuk began fasting at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on June 28 as part of a protest demanding Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation over alleged irregularities in examinations, including NEET. Sonam Wangchuk hunger Strike: Educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak and alleged irregularities in the CBSE’s on-screen marking system has drawn support from a host of Opposition leaders, actors, writers and public figures, even as concerns grow over his health. As concerns grow due to his deteroiating health, several personalities have come out in support and urged him to end his hunger strike. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has entered its 25th day, with Wangchuk joining the agitation on June 28 and beginning an indefinite fast in support of the campaign.
The protesters are demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Earlier today, the Delhi High Court directed the Centre to ensure daily medical monitoring of the activist saying that “every life is precious" and government doctors must regularly examine him and provide medical intervention whenever required. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning Wangchuk’s deteriorating health, a Bench headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya sought details from the Centre on the mechanism in place to monitor the activist’s medical condition during his fast. Wangchuk has lost nearly 8.9 kg since beginning his indefinite hunger strike, with the latest medical bulletin describing him as “very weak" and under 24-hour medical vigilance. Who All Are Supporting Wangchuk? More than 1,800 artistes, academics, writers and social activists have also backed Wangchuk’s protest and appealed to him to preserve his health while continuing the movement. Among the prominent political leaders who have backed Wangchuk are Akhilesh Yadav – Samajwadi Party chief Mamata Banerjee – Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Shashi Tharoor – Congress MP Uddhav Thackeray – Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Arvind Kejriwal – AAP national convenor Atishi – AAP leader and former Delhi chief minister Mahua Moitra – TMC MP John Brittas – CPI(M) Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose – TMC Rajya Sabha MP Priya Saroj – Samajwadi Party MP Rohit Pawar – NCP (SP) MLA Saket Gokhale – TMC leader Anish Gawande – NCP (SP) spokesperson Actors and Celebrities Shabana Azmi Zeenat Aman Prakash Raj Naseeruddin Shah Ratna Pathak Shah Soni Razdan Swara Bhasker Omi Vaidya Vir Das Chinmayi Sripada Arundhati Roy News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered What are the specific demands of Sonam Wangchuk's protest?
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