Sonam Wangchuk threatens fresh fast over Delhi arrests of opposition leaders

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk warned on Saturday that he will begin another fast if Delhi authorities do not release the leaders detained today.

Detentions

Arrests were made in the national capital ahead of a protest planned by the Cockroach Janta Party at Jantar Mantar. The protest aims to force the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Among those taken into custody were Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, activist Neha Bora, political analyst Yogendra Yadav and senior lawyer Prashant Bhushan. Reports said youth leaders, members of parliament, journalists and other activists were also arrested.

Wangchuk's Response

Wangchuk called the arrests "an undeclared emergency" and said the government should resolve the matter through dialogue. In a video he said he would consider an "Anshan Fast" or a padyatra march if the detainees were not freed within 24 hours. He added he might stage a hunger strike, sit‑in or march in Leh or Delhi as a peaceful protest.

Background

Wangchuk previously led a fast at Jantar Mantar in June demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET‑UG paper‑leak scandal. That fast lasted 21 days; authorities moved him to a hospital on July 18 citing health concerns. Pradhan later resigned on July 25 after sustained protests.

Context

Detaining senior politicians before a large‑scale protest is unusual in India’s democratic setup and often triggers further civil‑society actions. Wangchuk’s threat of a new fast follows a pattern where hunger strikes are used to draw public attention to perceived injustices.