Akhilesh Yadav has posted a message on the social media platform X (@yadavakhilesh), appealing to Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike. In the post, he wrote that Wangchuk's life is precious to the entire world because it reflects the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy. The appeal comes at a time when Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, is reported to be in worsening health.
How long has the protest at Jantar Mantar been going on
Sonam Wangchuk has been protesting at Jantar Mantar in Delhi for several days under the banner of the CJP, the Cockroach Janta Party. According to reports, the protest had already reached its tenth day by the last week of June, when a press conference was also held at Jantar Mantar. The protest then intensified into a fast unto death, and by early July it had reached its 11th day.
Over 7.8 kg lost in 15 days
According to the latest reports, Sonam Wangchuk has been on a fast unto death for around 15 days, during which he has lost close to 7.8 kg in weight. His health has been declining steadily, raising concern among his family, supporters and opposition parties. Videos and ground reports circulating on social media have also shown students taking part in the protest speaking about their concerns.
Question over demand for Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
During the protest, Sonam Wangchuk was also asked in an interview whether he was demanding Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation, a question to which he responded. Separately, the Aam Aadmi Party targeted the central government on the 11th day of the hunger strike, saying Narendra Modi does not even have the time to listen to Sonam Wangchuk.
March to Parliament announced for July 20
The CJP has announced that a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament will be held on July 20, to be led by Sonam Wangchuk himself. The organisation has urged people to come to Jantar Mantar instead of sitting on their sofas at home, and opposition parties have also announced they will join the march.
An earlier release from jail
This is not the first time Sonam Wangchuk has been in the news. Earlier in March, the government released him from jail unconditionally, a development on which Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also reacted.
What else Akhilesh Yadav wrote
In his post, Akhilesh Yadav went on to refer to the BJP government that Sonam Wangchuk is trying to wake up through his fast unto death, sharing a link alongside the remark. Throughout the post, his respect for Sonam Wangchuk and his concern over the activist's health come through clearly.
Public reaction
Akhilesh Yadav's appeal drew a mixed response on social media. While some users praised Sonam Wangchuk's dedication to the environment and democracy and called for peaceful dialogue and the protection of his life, several others questioned the intent and sincerity behind Akhilesh Yadav's appeal and linked it to politics.
