Vivek Oberoi reacted to: Sonam WangchukThe ongoing hunger strike, says he prefers to stay away from political debates but believes that people should have the freedom to express their views in a healthy democracy.Talking to the media, Vivek was asked about Sonam Wangchuk’s protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. While he did not comment on specific demands or issues surrounding the protest, the actor said he sees himself as someone who observes and learns from what is happening around him.Answering 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 that every voice has a place in democracy
When asked what he observed about the ongoing hunger strike of Sonam Wangchuk, Vivek said that people’s ability to express different opinions is a sign of a functioning democracy.“Observe him 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 supporting or opposing the protest, instead limiting his words to the importance of a democratic space where citizens can express their concerns.
Many celebrities have supported Sonam Wangchuk’s protest
Vivek Oberoi’s comments come at a time when many 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 expressed their support to the activist.
Sonam Wangchuk entered the 19th day of the hunger strike
Sonam Wangchuk has now entered the 19th day of her hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He protested over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over concerns related to the examination system.Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28, supporting a demand for the resignation of the Ministry of Education over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.According to the latest medical bulletin, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since the beginning of the hunger strike. The doctors reported that his blood sugar was 80 mg/dL, his pulse was 72 beats per minute, and his blood pressure was 105/61 mmHg while lying down and 101/65 mmHg while sitting. Medical officials added that his hydration level remained fair and that he remained mentally alert despite the prolonged fast.