Mamata Banerjee Reacts To Sonam Wangchuk's Health Amid Ongoing Protest

Former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on Saturday expressed concern over the health condition of climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk after he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi from his protest site at Jantar Mantar. Banerjee said Wangchuk's demand was for dialogue and alleged that his appeal had been met with silence. She stressed that peaceful dissent in a democracy should be addressed through engagement rather than ignored.

In a post on X, Banerjee said she was deeply concerned about Wangchuk's well-being and linked his protest to broader concerns over young people's voices being unheard. She stated that democratic systems require transparency, accountability, and respect for peaceful expressions of disagreement. The Trinamool leader also questioned the handling of Wangchuk's hospitalisation and said he should be allowed to receive treatment at a private facility if he wished to do so.

Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning after his health condition deteriorated during his indefinite hunger strike, which entered its 21st day. The Ladakh-based activist has been protesting over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination process and has demanded accountability from the central government, including the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Police shifted him to the hospital following medical concerns and directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

Also Read: Abhishek Banerjee Office Demolition Draws Protest From Trinamool Congress

Following Wangchuk's hospitalisation, the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) announced that its founder Abhijeet Dipke had started an indefinite fast and said the planned 'Chalo Sansad' march scheduled for July 20 would continue. The organisation has been leading the protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding action over the alleged examination irregularities and seeking justice for affected students.

Banerjee had earlier extended support to the CJP movement and spoke with Wangchuk over the phone to enquire about his health. She also expressed solidarity with the campaign, which has focused on issues related to examination transparency and student concerns. Abhijeet Dipke thanked the Trinamool leader for her support and acknowledged her message of solidarity.

The CJP began its protest at Jantar Mantar on June 20, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. Wangchuk joined the movement from the beginning and announced that he would begin a hunger strike if the government did not take action on the issue. After receiving no response from the Centre, he started his indefinite fast on June 28, drawing national attention to the matter.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk Protest Sees Growing Support Through Petitions And Social Media