Congress MP Sasikanth Senthil from Tiruvallur has called off his indefinite hunger strike after four days, following appeals from senior political leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, who expressed concerns over his deteriorating health. The decision, announced on Tuesday, came after widespread support from INDIA Alliance leaders and other political figures urging him to prioritize his well-being.

Senthil launched his protest on August 29 to demand the release of pending funds under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan scheme, which he claims the BJP-led central government has withheld for over two years, jeopardizing the educational rights of Tamil Nadu’s students. His health took a turn on the second day, leading to his transfer from Tiruvallur Government Hospital to Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital in Chennai for medical attention.

“I am temporarily withdrawing my hunger strike to protect the educational rights of poor students, respecting the appeals of our leaders,” Senthil said in a statement. Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Selvaperunthagai marked the end of the fast by offering him juice at the hospital, surrounded by senior party colleagues.

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Senthil accused the BJP government of “destroying” the dreams of Tamil Nadu’s students and vowed to escalate his protest to engage students and parents directly. “This struggle has sparked public discussion and gained widespread support, exposing the Centre’s injustice,” he said, urging Tamil Nadu’s people to “resist and fight” for their rights.

The Congress MP emphasized the party’s legacy of activism, framing his hunger strike as part of that tradition. Despite ending the fast, he stressed that the battle for educational rights is far from over. “The struggle ahead is long and arduous. We must unite and fight on multiple fronts,” he declared, signaling plans to intensify advocacy efforts.

The protest has drawn significant attention to the funding delays, with Senthil highlighting the need for collective action to hold the central government accountable. As he recovers, his resolve to champion students’ rights remains unwavering, setting the stage for further activism in Tamil Nadu.

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