Sharad Pawar slams Centre over ‘irresponsible’ handling of Wangchuk's hunger strike
NCP (SP) leader Sharad Pawar criticized the Indian government for its handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike. Wangchuk was hospitalized after 21 days of protesting against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.
Why it matters
The protest highlights ongoing tensions regarding student welfare and government accountability in the Indian education system.
NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar on Saturday (July 18, 2026) slammed the Centre for its "irresponsible" handling of activist Sonam Wangchuk’s agitatio n, claiming the government remained a bystander rather than addressing the genuine demands of students.
Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Mr. Pawar asserted that while the government moved to hospitalise Mr. Wangchuk as the situation became "uncontrollable", the protest would continue regardless of the action against the activist.
Read live updates from the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar here
Mr. Wangchuk was shifted to the Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi earlier in the day after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with the police citing medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court.
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