New Delhi — Fifteen days into the ongoing protest by the Committee for Justice and Peace (CJP), the health of fasting activist Wangchuk has reportedly deteriorated, prompting renewed criticism of the state’s handling of the demonstration. In a recent social‑media post, CJP member Dipak Kumar Dipke warned that the government would bear responsibility if any adverse outcome befalls Wangchuk and questioned why Home Minister Amit Pradhan has not yet been removed from office.
The protest, which began on March 14, 2026, demands the resignation of Home Minister Amit Pradhan over alleged mishandling of a high‑profile corruption case involving senior officials. Participants have been observing a continuous fast‑until‑death campaign, with Wangchuk serving as the primary hunger striker. According to the CJP’s latest update, Wangchuk’s vitals have declined sharply, and he has been hospitalized for medical monitoring, though officials have not released detailed clinical data.
Dipke’s post, shared on the group’s official X account, stated: “If anything happens to Wangchuk, the government will be responsible. Why is Pradhan still in charge?” The message underscores the group’s growing frustration with what it describes as the administration’s inaction and alleged attempts to suppress dissent.
Government spokespeople have not responded to requests for comment on Wangchuk’s condition or Dipke’s accusations. The Ministry of Home Affairs declined to comment on the minister’s status, citing “ongoing administrative processes.”
The protest has drawn support from several civil‑society organizations, which have called for an independent medical assessment of Wangchuk and a parliamentary inquiry into the allegations against Pradhan. Human‑rights groups have also warned that prolonged hunger strikes can lead to irreversible health damage, urging authorities to facilitate a safe resolution.
Analysis: The escalation of health concerns around Wangchuk places additional pressure on the state to address the protest’s demands. Historically, prolonged hunger strikes in India have prompted government concessions when public and media attention intensifies, as seen in past cases involving political prisoners and environmental activists. The CJP’s strategy appears to be leveraging Wangchuk’s deteriorating condition to force a political response, while also framing the issue as a matter of state accountability.
The call for Pradhan’s removal aligns with broader calls for accountability in the wake of recent corruption scandals that have eroded public trust in several ministries. If the Home Minister remains in office, the protest could gain further traction, potentially prompting wider civil unrest or prompting the central government to intervene.
Sources
– “Day 15 of CJP protest: Fasting Wangchuk’s health worsens; ‘Why Pradhan not sacked yet,’ Dipke asks,” The Hindu, March 29, 2026, https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/day-15-of-cjp-protest-fasting-wangchuks-health-worsens-why-pradhan-not-sacked-yet-dipke-asks/article71181987.ece
Story synopsis gathered from: The Hindu – National — source
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