Why is Modi silent on Wangchuk’s hunger strike?

Indian YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee has criticised Prime Minister Narendra

Indian YouTuber and political commentator Dhruv Rathee has criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the ongoing hunger strike of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, accusing the government of failing to respond to the protest despite growing concerns about the activist’s health.

In a video shared on social media, Rathee said the government’s response to Wangchuk’s hunger strike has disappointed many people. He claimed the protest has exposed what he described as the government’s unwillingness to address the activist’s demands. According to Rathee, many people have now lost hope that the authorities will take meaningful action, while some have instead urged Wangchuk to end his fast because of his deteriorating health.

Rathee compared the current protest with the hunger strike of environmentalist Professor G.D. Agarwal, who observed a 111-day fast in 2018 while demanding stronger efforts to protect the Ganges River. He said Agarwal died during the protest after his demands were not accepted. Rathee alleged that the government’s response at the time was limited to a condolence message posted by Prime Minister Modi on social media.

Referring to Wangchuk’s protest, Rathee claimed that if a similar tragedy were to occur, the government’s response would once again be limited to expressions of sympathy rather than concrete action. He described the administration as ineffective and accused it of paying insufficient attention to important domestic issues.

The YouTuber also appealed to opposition political parties and members of the public to support Wangchuk’s campaign. He urged people to participate in a protest march scheduled to be held at Jantar Mantar on July 20 in support of the activist’s demands.

According to reports, Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike has entered its 19th day. He has been fasting in New Delhi since June 28 to protest alleged irregularities in public examinations, particularly the NEET paper leak case. He is also demanding the resignation of India’s Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the controversy.