Vivek Oberoi has reacted to Sonam Wangchuk‘s ongoing hunger strike, saying he prefers to stay away from political debates but believes that people should have the freedom to express their views in a healthy democracy.Speaking to the media, Vivek was asked about Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. While he did not comment on the specific demands or the issues surrounding the protest, the actor said he sees himself as someone who observes and learns from what is happening around him.Responding to the question, Vivek said, “Yaar main abhineta hu, neta nahi hu. Toh main political cheezon pe dhyaan nahi deta hun. Hum toh observe karte hai, seekhte hai. Life mein bohot kuch dekhne aur seekhne ko mil raha hai.”
Vivek Oberoi says every voice has a place in democracy
When asked what he had observed about the ongoing Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, Vivek said that the ability of people to express differing opinions is a sign of a functioning democracy.“Observe ye kiya hai ki ye bhi ek nayi cheez thi aur mujhe lagta hai ek healthy democracy mein har awaaz ko apni jagah milti hai. Ye logo ne agar apni awaaz vyakt ki hai toh ye healthy democracy ka sign hai,” he added.The actor stopped short of either supporting or opposing the protest, instead limiting his remarks to the importance of democratic space where citizens can voice their concerns.
Several celebrities back Sonam Wangchuk’s protest
Vivek Oberoi’s comments come at a time when several members of the film industry have publicly extended support to Sonam Wangchuk. Celebrities including Shabana Azmi, Zeenat Aman, Sonakshi Sinha, Prakash Raj, Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Abhay Deol, Soni Razdan, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Imran Khan, Atul Kulkarni and Omi Vaidya have voiced their support for the activist.
Sonam Wangchuk enters 19th day of hunger strike
Sonam Wangchuk has now entered the 19th day of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi. He has been protesting over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over concerns related to the examination system.Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, supporting the demand for the Education Minister’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning the hunger strike. Doctors reported that his blood sugar level was 80 mg/dL, his pulse rate was 72 beats per minute, and his blood pressure measured 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting. Medical officials added that his hydration levels remain fair and that he continues to be mentally alert despite the prolonged fast.
