Indefinite Hunger Strike Escalates, Protesters Seek Health Minister’s Resignation
Munish sood
Mandi
The d*eath of 21-year-old Manju Sharma, a resident of Chelchowk in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi district, within 24 hours of childbirth at the Regional Hospital, Kullu, has snowballed into a major political and administrative controversy, exposing deep public resentment over the state’s healthcare system.
What began as allegations of medical negligence has now transformed into a full-scale public agitation against the Congress-led government, with protesters accusing the administration of attempting to shield those responsible instead of ensuring accountability.
For the second consecutive day on Tuesday, social activist Baldev Thakur, popularly known as Bunty Siraji, along with Sanjay Chauhan and several supporters, continued an indefinite hunger strike at Dhalpur Ground in Kullu. The agitation gathered momentum as protesters reiterated their demand for the resignation of Health Minister Dhani Ram Shandil, a court-monitored or independent investigation into the case, and urgent reforms in the state’s public healthcare infrastructure.
The protesters contend that the inquiry ordered by the district administration has failed to inspire public confidence. While both a magisterial and departmental inquiry have been initiated, they allege that the investigation is being used to protect those allegedly responsible for the young mother’s d*eath.
Protesters Escalate Pressure
Addressing supporters, Bunty Siraji alleged that the government had ignored repeated warnings regarding the deteriorating healthcare services in Kullu.
In a social media statement on Tuesday, he claimed that had the authorities acted on the protesters’ earlier demands, “another young mother would not have lost her life, leaving behind a newborn child.”
He challenged the inquiry officer and Kullu MLA Sunder Singh Thakur to participate in an open public interaction, asserting that the hunger strike would be withdrawn immediately if the inquiry established that no negligence had occurred.
“We are prepared to accept the findings if the investigation is transparent and fair. But if lapses have been committed, accountability cannot be avoided,” he said.
Siraji further announced that the protesters would approach the Himachal Pradesh High Court if they failed to receive what they described as an impartial investigation.
Healthcare Infrastructure Under Scrutiny
The agitation has widened beyond the death of a single patient, with protesters arguing that the incident reflects systemic deficiencies in Himachal Pradesh’s healthcare delivery.
They alleged that the Regional Hospital, Kullu, is functioning with only one gynaecologist, placing pregnant women at considerable risk and exposing chronic staff shortages in government hospitals. Along with action against those found responsible, the protesters have demanded the immediate filling of vacant specialist posts and comprehensive strengthening of maternal healthcare services across the district.
Women Protesters Allege Intimidation
The controversy deepened after members of a women’s delegation levelled serious allegations against the district administration following a meeting with Deputy Commissioner Anurag Chandra Sharma.
One of the protesters, Kiran, claimed that the delegation was told that demonstrations would not alter the outcome of the investigation and was warned against any breach of law and order. She further alleged that their mobile phones were temporarily taken away during the meeting and videos recorded inside were deleted.
The district administration has not issued any official response to these allegations.
Congress MLA Alleges Political Motive Behind Agitation
As the protests intensified, Kullu Congress MLA Sunder Singh Thakur accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of politicising the tragedy and sponsoring the agitation.
Maintaining that he stood firmly with the bereaved family, the legislator pointed out that the doctor and nursing staff concerned had already been suspended even before the inquiry report was submitted. However, he alleged that “outside elements, bloggers and politically motivated groups” were attempting to exploit public sentiment and disturb the atmosphere in Kullu.
Emphasising the need to allow the legal process to take its course, Thakur said no individual could be declared guilty before the completion of the investigation.
“I cannot pronounce a doctor guilty before the inquiry establishes responsibility,” he said, urging opposition legislators to raise the issue on the floor of the Assembly rather than through street protests.
In an emotional remark, the MLA also expressed his willingness to assume responsibility for the care of Manju Sharma’s newborn child.
Government Faces Mounting Pressure
With the indefinite hunger strike entering its second day and public participation steadily increasing, the Manju Sharma case has evolved into one of the most politically sensitive issues confronting the Himachal Pradesh government in recent months.
While the state government has maintained that due process is underway, the continuing agitation underscores growing public concerns over accountability, transparency and the condition of healthcare services in the hill state.
The coming days are likely to determine whether the administration succeeds in restoring public confidence through its ongoing inquiry or whether the controversy develops into a wider political challenge for the Sukhu government.
