Anna Hazare Urges Government to Engage with Sonam Wangchuk Amid Ongoing Hunger Strike

Social activist Anna Hazare has called on the central government to engage in discussions with educator Sonam Wangchuk, who is currently on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET paper leak controversy. This appeal comes as Wangchuk's health is monitored following his hospitalization by police. Hazare emphasizes the need for dialogue, urging the government not to test Wangchuk's patience. The situation has raised concerns about police actions and the interpretation of court orders regarding Wangchuk's detention. Read on for more details about this unfolding situation.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 18, 2026, 19:48 IST

Call for Dialogue with Sonam Wangchuk

On Saturday, social activist Anna Hazare appealed to the central government to engage in discussions with educator Sonam Wangchuk. He emphasized the importance of addressing Wangchuk's demands, especially after he was taken to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi police for medical treatment. Hazare remarked that the government should not test Wangchuk's patience, suggesting that there is no harm in having a conversation, regardless of whether the response is affirmative or negative. Wangchuk is currently on a hunger strike, which marks its 21st day, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan in connection with the NEET paper leak incident.

This appeal from Hazare comes years after his own hunger strike in Delhi, which aimed at advocating for the Lokpal law and significantly impacted the UPA government in 2011.

Health Concerns and Police Actions

According to police reports, Wangchuk was hospitalized under a directive from the Delhi High Court to monitor his health. However, Abhijit Dipke from the Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP) claimed that the climate activist was forcibly taken. Some students also alleged that they faced police brutality at the protest site. CJP protesters accused police officers of arriving at Jantar Mantar and posing as a medical team. A protester reported that volunteers were ordered to step aside during the incident. Saurav Das, the main spokesperson for CJP, alleged that the Delhi police misinterpreted the High Court's instructions when taking Wangchuk to the hospital, labeling the detention as contempt of court.

The Delhi High Court had previously instructed that Wangchuk's health should be monitored, and any actions should only be taken if his condition deteriorated. The medical team checks on him two to three times daily, and he regularly posts updates about his health, which has remained stable. The police's interpretation of the court order was deemed incorrect, and the detention was considered a violation of the court's directive.