CPI(M) concerned over Wangchuk’s health, announces nationwide protests on July 20

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] has expressed concern over the reported deterioration in the health of social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who the party said is on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

In a statement issued by its Polit Bureau, the CPI(M) criticised the Union Government for what it described as its refusal to engage with protesting students and leaders.

The party alleged that the Government’s response reflected “insensitivity and authoritarianism” amid ongoing protests over alleged irregularities in the conduct of the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

The CPI(M) also linked the alleged examination irregularities to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, claiming that the policy’s emphasis on centralisation and commercialisation of education had contributed to the rapid growth of the coaching industry.

The party further alleged that these developments, along with what it termed the “communalisation” of education, were among the underlying causes of paper leaks and other examination-related irregularities.

Reiterating its earlier demands, the CPI(M) called for the immediate resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan, the scrapping of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and the withdrawal of the NEP 2020.

The party also appealed to its state units and supporters to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the protesting students. It announced that protests would be organised across the country on July 20 in support of these demands and in solidarity with Wangchuk.

The Union Government has not immediately responded to the CPI(M)’s latest statement.