Akhilesh Yadav Appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to End Fast Amid Ongoing NEET Protest

New Delhi, July 14, 2026 As the protest over the alleged NEET examination irregularities continues at Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has urged educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his indefinite hunger strike. His appeal comes as the demonstration enters another crucial phase, with concerns growing over Wangchuk's health while political attacks over the issue continue to intensify. "We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity and the environment as it does to democracy," Yadav posted on X. "The BJP government, which he is attempting to awaken through his fast unto death, is itself a principle-less and corrupt system. In its insensitivity and heartlessness, the sacrifice of anyone holds no significance; therefore, expecting any sense of propriety or change of heart from BJP members is utterly futile," he said. "For them (BJP), no one's life holds any value. For them, money is paramount. They are intoxicated with the arrogance of wealth earned through corruption. Hoping for change in them is in vain. Those who are arrogant cannot be refined," he added. Yadav also criticised the BJP over the alleged donation theft at the Ram temple in Ayodhya, saying, "How would those who are looting even temples out of greed for power ('satta-graha') understand the significance of 'Satyagraha'? They have no concern for the future of the youth, nor for the dreams of their parents and other family members—they are simply self-centred people." He further said, "To defeat and permanently remove the BJP, which is strangling democracy, and its gang of underground, unregistered allies—may your morale and moral strength continue to inspire every true Indian, and may you forever remain a beacon of light for your countrymen, the youth, and the struggles for democracy and the environment against negative forces. This is our collective wish and prayer." According to the organisers, Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kg since beginning his hunger strike. The CJP protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination irregularities, has continued for several weeks. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then, while the organisation has announced a march to Parliament on July 20, keeping the movement firmly in the national spotlight.