Shashi Tharoor Urges Activist to End NEET Protest Fast: A Call for Dialogue

In a heartfelt open letter, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor has called on activist Sonam Wangchuk to end his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, urging the government to engage in meaningful dialogue regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Tharoor emphasizes the importance of addressing student concerns within Parliament, sharing his own experiences of growing up in a middle-class family and the significance of a fair merit-based system. He warns that the current issues threaten the dreams of many young Indians, particularly those from less privileged backgrounds. Tharoor's appeal highlights the need for constructive discussions rather than extreme measures.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 15, 2026, 12:43 IST

Tharoor's Plea to Sonam Wangchuk

New Delhi: On Wednesday, Congress MP Shashi Tharoor reached out to activist Sonam Wangchuk, urging him to conclude his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, which protests alleged discrepancies in the NEET examination process. Tharoor emphasized the importance of dialogue with the government, stating that engaging in conversation is a demonstration of leadership rather than a sign of weakness.

In a letter addressed to the protesters at Jantar Mantar, Tharoor noted that with Parliament reconvening on Monday, there would be a prime opportunity to discuss the concerns of students within the highest legislative body.

He expressed, "This is where the issues should be tackled, not through extreme measures like fasting to death. I implore you to consider my request."

Tharoor shared his personal connection to the matter, stating, "I speak to you not merely as a politician or MP, but as someone who is genuinely concerned about the challenges facing your generation. This resonates with me deeply. Coming from a middle-class background, my father worked as a newspaper employee while my mother managed our home, striving to educate three children on a single income."

He continued, "For families like mine, meritocracy was not just a phrase. Scholarships, fair assessments, and honest outcomes were essential for making our dreams a reality, especially with limited financial resources."

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been actively protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister over the alleged NEET exam irregularities. Wangchuk has been participating in this protest since June 28 and has committed to an indefinite fast. The group has also planned a march to Parliament on July 20.

Tharoor recounted his educational journey, mentioning his schooling in Mumbai and Kolkata, his college years in Delhi, and how he excelled academically, ultimately gaining admission to IIM. However, he chose to pursue his passion for international relations in the United States on a scholarship instead.

He asserted, "Nothing was handed to me; everything was achieved through diligence and examinations."

Tharoor highlighted the significance of a fair, merit-based system as the only means for individuals from lower and middle-income families to advance. He warned that when this system is compromised—through exam leaks, cancellations, and eroded trust—only the affluent can navigate around these obstacles.

He concluded, "Your aspirations and the sacrifices made by your families, and tragically, in some cases, the loss of young lives, are what are truly at stake here," he stated in his letter shared on X.