Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday visited climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where the renowned innovator has been on an indefinite hunger strike. During his visit, Kejriwal expressed solidarity with Wangchuk’s protest and made a bold political demand, urging the Centre to appoint him as India’s Union Education Minister.
Taking to social media after the meeting, Kejriwal called for the removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In a strongly worded post in Hindi, he said, “Dharmendra Pradhan should be removed and Sonam Wangchuk should be made the Education Minister of the country.”
Kejriwal argued that the country’s education system needs visionary leadership, particularly at a time when repeated examination paper leaks have shaken the confidence of students and parents. Referring to controversies surrounding the NEET medical entrance examination, he alleged that millions of young aspirants continue to suffer because of systemic failures and poor accountability.
The former Delhi Chief Minister also drew parallels between Wangchuk’s ongoing protest and the anti-corruption movement that transformed India’s political landscape over a decade ago. Recalling April 4, 2011, when he joined social activist Anna Hazare at Jantar Mantar during the Jan Lokpal agitation, Kejriwal warned the present government against ignoring public voices.
According to Kejriwal, the government in power at the time lost public support because it failed to listen to peaceful protests and allowed arrogance to replace accountability. He suggested that governments should engage in dialogue rather than dismiss public concerns.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk’s health has become a growing concern as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day. The activist began his fast on June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms in the education system.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk’s condition at Jantar Mantar have reportedly described his health as critical. Medical updates indicate that he has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning the fast. Although his pulse rate and blood sugar remain within acceptable limits, elevated uric acid levels have raised concerns that his body has started breaking down muscle tissue due to prolonged fasting.
Despite repeated appeals from doctors, supporters and several public figures, Wangchuk has remained firm in his decision to continue the protest. In a recent video message, he said he still feels physically capable of carrying on and urged supporters to focus on preparations for the planned “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20, which will coincide with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
The protest is being organised under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a group that has been demonstrating at Jantar Mantar for several weeks while demanding accountability over issues related to the education system.
The hunger strike has also prompted intervention from legal institutions. The Supreme Court Bar Association recently appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the nation needs his contributions more than his sacrifice. Separately, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to closely monitor his health and ensure immediate medical assistance whenever required, emphasizing that every citizen’s life is valuable.
As Wangchuk’s health continues to deteriorate and political support for his movement grows, the coming days are expected to be crucial, especially with the planned Parliament march drawing closer.
