Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has made an emotional appeal to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike, saying the protest has already achieved its moral purpose by “awakening the conscience of the nation.”
In an open letter addressed to Wangchuk and the protesters at Jantar Mantar, Tharoor urged the activist not to continue fasting unto death, stressing that the fight for students’ rights should now move to Parliament, which is set to reconvene next week.
‘India needs your voice’
Addressing Wangchuk directly, Tharoor appealed to him to call off his fast.
“Please end your fast. You have awakened the conscience of the nation; that is what a fast is meant to do. India needs your voice for the long road ahead,” Tharoor wrote.
He said Parliament would soon provide an opportunity for elected representatives to raise the concerns surrounding examination reforms and student welfare.
“That’s where the problem should be addressed, not by fasting unto death. Please heed my plea.”
Wangchuk continues hunger strike despite health concerns
The appeal comes as Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike despite reports of worsening health.
According to updates shared by supporters, the activist has reportedly lost around 8.5 kilograms, is experiencing muscle loss and remains in severe discomfort. However, he has refused to end the fast, insisting that the government should initiate dialogue instead.
A petition has also been moved before the Delhi High Court, seeking medical intervention, including force-feeding, citing concerns that his condition could become life-threatening.
Growing support across political spectrum
Wangchuk’s fast has drawn support from leaders across party lines.
Among those who have appealed to him to end the hunger strike are:
- Mamata Banerjee
- Akhilesh Yadav
- Uddhav Thackeray
- Arvind Kejriwal
Veteran actor Zeenat Aman has also urged the government to open dialogue with the activist, saying the country should not watch “one of its greatest minds” suffer.
Tharoor urges Centre to begin dialogue
In his letter, Tharoor also called on the Union government to engage constructively with the protesters rather than ignore their concerns.
“I respectfully urge you to reach out and engage in the dialogue our democracy owes its young citizens. That is not weakness; that is statesmanship.”
He expressed solidarity with students protesting over alleged examination irregularities, saying their anger reflected the frustration of an entire generation.
Recalling his own journey, Tharoor said merit-based education and fair examinations had shaped his life and remained the only path to opportunity for millions of young Indians.
CJP continues protest over examination reforms
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its agitation at Jantar Mantar has entered its 25th day.
The organisation unveiled a five-point examination reform charter, demanding greater transparency and accountability in the examination system while claiming that support for its movement is growing across political parties.
Despite mounting appeals and concerns over his health, Wangchuk has reiterated that he will continue his fast until meaningful dialogue begins.
