After Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalised, CJP’s Abhijeet Dipke Begins Hunger Strike
Indiadailyupdate.com – Following the hospitalization of Sonam Wangchuk, the protest led by the Chalo Sansad movement gained renewed momentum as CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the commencement of his indefinite hunger strike. The activist, who had been staging a protest for days, was admitted to a hospital on the 21st day of his fast, sparking concerns among supporters and drawing attention to the broader issues of exam irregularities. Dipke, who has taken over as the de facto leader of the protest, vowed to continue the demonstrations until the Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan, resigned over alleged misconduct in the NEET-UG exam process.
Context of the NEET-UG Protest
The hunger strike, which began in response to alleged leaked exam papers and procedural lapses in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test for Undergraduate (NEET-UG), has been a focal point of public dissent. Thousands of students and activists have gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, demanding transparency and accountability in the examination system. Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent figure in the movement, had been leading the protests for several days, drawing criticism over the perceived unfairness in the exam’s conduct. His hospitalization has now shifted the leadership to Dipke, but the core demand remains unchanged.
“The NEET-UG exam has become a symbol of systemic corruption in our education sector. Without immediate action, this injustice will continue to affect the dreams of countless students,” said Dipke in a statement shared on social media.
Delhi Police’s Response and Legal Justifications
The Delhi Police clarified that Wangchuk was taken to the hospital under a court order after his health condition deteriorated during the protest. A senior official stated, “The decision to hospitalize Sh. Sonam Wangchuk was made to ensure his safety, following expert medical advice and legal directives.” However, the CJP contested this, claiming that the police had lathi-charged the protesters and forcibly removed Wangchuk from the protest site without prior consent. This dispute has intensified the tension between the activists and law enforcement, with the hunger strike now serving as a demonstration of their resolve.
Family’s Demands for Consent and Care
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, has been vocal about her husband’s condition, emphasizing the need for family approval in any medical interventions. She tweeted, “Nothing should be administered to him orally or intravenously without taking consent from me and his family.” The family’s insistence on their right to decide Wangchuk’s treatment has added a personal dimension to the political protest, highlighting the emotional stakes behind the movement. Meanwhile, the CJP has rallied support for Dipke, ensuring the protest’s continuity despite the leadership change.
Impact on Public Sentiment and Protest Dynamics
The hospitalization of Wangchuk has not only shifted the protest’s leadership but also intensified public discourse around the NEET-UG controversy. Activists argue that the exam’s irregularities, including the leak of question papers and biased grading, have undermined merit-based admissions. The hunger strike, now led by Dipke, has become a powerful symbol of student frustration and a call to action against the government’s handling of the issue. Supporters at Jantar Mantar have expressed solidarity, with many chanting slogans demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and a complete overhaul of the exam system.
“We are here to demand justice for our students. The NEET-UG exam is not just a test—it’s a gateway to their futures,” said a student participant during the protest, underscoring the movement’s significance.
Broader Implications for the Education Sector
The ongoing protests have sparked nationwide conversations about the credibility of competitive exams in India. Critics argue that the NEET-UG controversy highlights deeper flaws in the education system, such as inadequate oversight and the prioritization of political interests over academic fairness. As Dipke continues his hunger strike, the movement is gaining traction, with calls for an independent inquiry into the exam’s conduct. This has put pressure on the government to address the grievances swiftly, lest the protest escalate further and draw even more attention to the issue.
