Explained: Why JP Nadda has become the Centre’s face to deal with CJP agaitation
Government sources said JP Nadda’s selection reflected both his stature and his reputation as a consensus-builder capable of handling sensitive situations.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk announced on Monday that he will continue his fast. He is now on day 23 of his hunger strike. He said the decision came after seeing the treatment of peacefully protesting youth at the Sansad Chalo march.
Wangchuk wrote that he will not break his fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet parliamentarians at the Parliament building. He said the alternative is being allowed to meet them himself at the hospital. He added that he hopes the government fixes accountability on the education minister before that happens.
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What Sonam Wangchuk wrote
In his message, Wangchuk said he was touched by how the youth have held on to peace despite provocation. He appealed to the government and police to resolve the matter by simply allowing students to present their grievances before Parliament, either Monday or Tuesday. He said he was confident the young protesters would show the same patience and tolerance the next day as they did on Monday.
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Background: 23 days of fasting
Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28 in support of the CJP-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. He was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18. This followed a Delhi High Court order that backed the Centre’s decision to move him for medical reasons.
Hospital authorities have said Wangchuk has refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and other medications. He has shown signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, has alleged that he is being held at the hospital against his will. She approached the Delhi High Court again over his transfer to a private hospital, though the court has so far declined to intervene.
Earlier on Monday, Wangchuk had shared a handwritten note saying he would end his fast if the government took accountability for failures in the education system. He had listed a second condition too. He said he would also end it if CJP leadership managed to reach the doorstep of Parliament and secure assurances from MPs that the issue would be raised in the House.
Context: The NEET protest movement
The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar since June 20. It is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reforms in the exam system and action against those responsible for the NEET irregularities.
Monday’s march coincided with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. Delhi Police denied permission for the march. Protesters still gathered in large numbers and tried to reach Parliament. Police used tear gas and lathi charges to disperse them.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah met Pradhan at his Parliament office on Monday. Separately, CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka met BJP leader JP Nadda and submitted a written list of demands.
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