As activist Sonam Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered its 18th day, Trinamool Congress leader Saket Gokhale on Wednesday urged Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to initiate dialogue with the protesters, warning that any deterioration in Wangchuk's health would place responsibility on the central government.

In a letter addressed to the minister, Gokhale said Wangchuk's condition had become "extremely critical" after nearly three weeks of fasting. He claimed the activist had lost more than eight kilograms and was being monitored continuously by medical professionals.

Wangchuk has been observing the hunger strike since June 28 as part of a protest led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). The agitation is demanding Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities and paper leak controversies linked to the NEET and CBSE examinations.

Sharing the letter on social media platform X, Gokhale referred to reports of student suicides allegedly linked to stress caused by examination-related issues. He argued that these incidents reflected serious failures within the education system and said the concerns raised by students deserved immediate attention.

The TMC leader stated that the protesters' principal demand was the resignation of the Education Minister. He also claimed that Pradhan had previously acknowledged responsibility for the examination-related issues during a television interview, arguing that stepping down would be the appropriate moral response in a democratic system.

While noting that the decision to resign rested with the minister, Gokhale criticised the government for not opening any communication with Wangchuk despite his prolonged fast. He urged Pradhan to at least meet or speak with the activist to understand the concerns being raised on behalf of students.

Describing Wangchuk as someone following Gandhian methods of protest, Gokhale said the government should not remain silent while his health continued to decline. He further alleged that the Centre had failed to respond even as opposition leaders extended support to the movement.

In a separate statement, Gokhale questioned why the government had not initiated talks with Wangchuk despite his worsening condition. He said that if anything were to happen to the activist, both the Union government and the Education Minister should be held accountable for not making efforts to engage with him.

The appeal comes shortly after West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee reportedly spoke with Wangchuk over the phone to enquire about his health and convey her support for the protest. According to CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, Banerjee encouraged the activist to remain strong.

Earlier, TMC MP Mahua Moitra also contacted Wangchuk to check on his condition. Moitra, along with Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose, had previously visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with the protesters.

Wangchuk remains under medical observation as the hunger strike continues.