Vivek Oberoi Remains Neutral Amid Support for Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike
Concerns Rise Over Sonam Wangchuk's Health
Sonam Wangchuk, a prominent activist from Ladakh, has been on a peaceful indefinite hunger strike, raising alarms about his health as he has lost approximately nine kilograms over 19 days. His deteriorating condition has prompted several Bollywood stars to voice their support, urging the central government to take action. However, actor Vivek Oberoi opted to refrain from commenting on the situation when approached. He expressed a preference for remaining an observer rather than engaging in criticism regarding national issues. His remarks have since gained significant attention online.
Vivek Oberoi's Observations on the Protest
Vivek Oberoi Dodges Questions on Wangchuk's Protest
In a widely circulated statement, Vivek remarked in Hindi, “Yaar main abhineta hu, neta nahi hu. Toh main political cheezon pe dhyaan nahi deta hun. Hum toh observe karte hai, seekhte hai. Life mein bohot kuch dekhne aur seekhne ko mil raha hai.” (Translation: I am an actor, not a politician. Therefore, I do not focus on political matters. I observe and learn. There is much to experience in life.) When pressed for his thoughts, he added, “Observe ye kiya hai ki ye bhi ek nayi cheez thi aur mujhe lagta hai ek healthy democracy mein har awaaz ko apni jagah milti hai. Ye logo ne agar apni awaaz vyakt ki hai toh ye healthy democracy ka sign hai.” (Translation: I have observed that this was a new way to express demands. I believe every voice deserves to be heard in a healthy democracy. Their expression is a sign of a healthy democracy.)
Bollywood's Solidarity with Sonam Wangchuk
Bollywood Celebrities Rally Behind Sonam Wangchuk
Numerous Bollywood figures, including Sonakshi Sinha, Aditi Rao Hydari, Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Swara Bhasker, and Imran Khan, have publicly expressed their support for Sonam Wangchuk. They have urged him to conclude his hunger strike, emphasizing the importance of his cause for the future of education in India.
Background of the Protest
Reasons Behind Sonam Wangchuk's Protest
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been staging a prolonged protest at Jantar Mantar since June 20, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in examinations, particularly concerning the NEET paper leak. The group has planned a march to Parliament on July 20. Wangchuk joined the protestors at Jantar Mantar and initiated his indefinite hunger strike, garnering support from various political leaders and public figures. Opposition parties have been calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over these alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET-UG controversy and issues related to the National Testing Agency (NTA).