New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday directed authorities to regularly monitor the activist’s health Golden Wangchukwho lost nine kg as his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar entered its 19th day, even as the Congress called on him to end his fast, insisting that his concerns are theirs too and vowing to confront the Modi government and demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Wangchuk and Janta Cockroach Festivalwhich is spearheading the protest, drew more support after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and leaders like independent MP Kapil Sibal, Dimple Yadav and Dharmendra Yadav of the Samajwadi Party and Dalit leader Prakash Ambedkar either met the activist or issued a public appeal to end his fast. AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal visited Wangchuk and other protesters on Thursday evening.
The Congress came out in support of the protest with General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal calling on Wangchuk to end his fast. The Congress has “made this demand for more than a month and a half. We share the anxiety and anger that Wangchuk-ji feels, especially because of the lack of accountability within the Modi government — for the collapse of the exam system in particular,” he said.
“In view of his health condition, we appeal to Wangchuk to end his fast. His concerns are our concerns and those of other opposition parties as well. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the resignation of the education minister,” he said.
Earlier in the day, Delhi High Court ordered authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily, saying a citizen’s life was precious and all medical efforts should be made by authorities to save him.
Advocate General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Center as well as the Delhi government, said he had no objection to conducting Wangchuk’s regular medical check-up.
Wangchuk’s medical team said he remains weak and is under constant monitoring. According to the medical bulletin, Wangchuk’s weight has dropped further to 56.90 kg, marking a loss of over nine kg since the start of his indefinite hunger strike. His blood pressure was recorded at 101/65 mmHg, pulse at 72 beats per minute, oxygen saturation at 98 percent, and random blood sugar at 89 mg/dL.
“Wangchuk remains conscious, mentally alert and clinically stable, he is extremely weak and continues to remain under 24-hour medical supervision and close observation due to the extended fast,” the CJP said in a statement.
He said the CJP once again appeals to the union government to immediately engage with the protesters, address the long-awaited demands for examination reforms and respond to the growing concerns of students across the country.
