Kejriwal Praises Sonam Wangchuk, Recommends Him For Education Minister

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday called for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to be replaced by education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk. Kejriwal made the remarks during a visit to Jantar Mantar, where Wangchuk is leading an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in national examinations, particularly the NEET medical entrance test. The protest has drawn support from students, activists and several public figures demanding greater transparency and accountability in the country's examination system.

Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said repeated examination paper leaks have severely affected the future of students and urged the Centre to take their concerns seriously. In a post on social media, he stated that Sonam Wangchuk should be appointed as the country's Education Minister in place of Dharmendra Pradhan. Kejriwal also appealed to the government to engage with protesting students and Wangchuk, saying that recurring examination controversies have undermined public confidence in the education system.

Recalling his participation in the 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar, Kejriwal drew parallels between the two protests. He said the previous government had ignored public concerns and eventually lost power because of what he described as growing arrogance and lack of accountability. He praised Wangchuk for undertaking the hunger strike in support of students and commended young protesters for demanding a fair, transparent and credible examination process across the country.

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Wangchuk began his indefinite fast on June 28 as part of an agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for more than 25 days while demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister. The organisation has also announced a "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session. According to doctors monitoring Wangchuk's health, he has lost more than nine kilograms during the fast, while medical reports indicate elevated uric acid levels despite improvements in ketone levels.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) formally appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, stating that the nation needs his leadership and continued public engagement. SCBA President Vikas Singh personally delivered a letter urging him to safeguard his health while continuing his campaign through democratic means. In a related development, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to conduct daily medical monitoring of Wangchuk and provide necessary treatment whenever required. Both the Centre and the Delhi government raised no objection to the arrangement, with the court observing that the life of every citizen is of paramount importance.

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