NEW DELHI — Veteran social activist Anna Hazare has made a critical appeal to the Union government regarding the ongoing Jantar Mantar agitation. He urged the Centre to initiate immediate dialogue with educationist and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. The statement came shortly after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital.
Expressing deep concern over the escalating situation, Hazare released a video message addressing the political deadlock. “The government should not test his limits,” Hazare stated firmly. “Say yes or no to his demands, but what is wrong in holding discussions?” He emphasized that authorities must handle the matter peacefully to avoid a tragic outcome.
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The Boiling Point at Jantar Mantar
The high-stakes agitation reached a critical flashpoint on Saturday, July 18, 2026. It marked the 21st consecutive day of the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike. The renowned educationist began his fast on June 28 to demand systemic accountability. Specifically, Wangchuk has sought the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The protest stems from the massive public outrage surrounding the NEET paper leak scandal.
The situation intensified early in the morning when plainclothes police personnel entered the protest site. Activists from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who are anchoring the protest, alleged a forceful evacuation. Onlookers noted that security personnel blocked cameras with white sheets while removing the fasting activist. Additionally, several student volunteers reported brief scuffles and a police lathicharge during the sudden evacuation.
Echoes of the 2011 Lokpal Movement
This dramatic development has drawn immediate historical parallels across the nation. For many observers, the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike evokes memories of Hazare’s own historic anti-corruption crusade. In 2011, Hazare led a massive hunger strike at Ramlila Maidan demanding the Lokpal Act. That peaceful agitation successfully mobilized millions and heavily shaken the ruling UPA government.
Now, Hazare sees a similar moral urgency in Wangchuk’s stance against educational irregularities. He noted that pulling, dragging, or using force only complicates sensitive social issues. Furthermore, opposition leaders have quickly rallied behind the cause. Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi publicly condemned the police action. He described the forced removal as a direct attempt to suppress peaceful democratic dissent.
Medical Standoff and Legal Battles
Currently, a severe medical and legal standoff is unfolding inside Safdarjung Hospital. According to official medical bulletins, Wangchuk is conscious but exhibits severe dehydration. Hospital authorities reported elevated urinary ketones and low potassium levels. However, the activist is firmly refusing all intravenous fluids, medications, and oral rehydration therapies. He remains determined to maintain his fast until the Centre offers a concrete response.
Simultaneously, the CJP leadership has alleged heavy-handedness and dynamic misinterpretation of judicial orders. CJP spokespersons argued that the Delhi High Court ordered health monitoring, not forced isolation. Consequently, Wangchuk’s wife, Dr. Gitanjali Angmo, has filed an urgent plea in the Delhi High Court. She has alleged illegal detention under the guise of medical care. The plea seeks immediate permission to transfer him to a private healthcare facility.
The Path Forward to Monday’s March
Despite the sudden hospitalisation of their primary leader, the protest shows no signs of dissolving. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that he has initiated his own indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar. “We are going to continue the protest,” Dipke affirmed. He urged citizens and students to gather at the site to maintain a peaceful vigil. At least 21 other student leaders from various universities remain on a concurrent fast.
The unfolding crisis occurs at a highly volatile time for the Union government. The high-profile agitation is strategically timed just 48 hours before a massive planned march to Parliament. Organizers have dubbed the upcoming July 20 event as a critical movement for student rights. As the Monsoon Session opens on Monday, the Centre faces intense pressure to resolve the deadlock. It must now decide whether to follow Hazare’s advice or risk a massive escalation on the streets of New Delhi.