Climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk on Friday intensified his call for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, saying he would remain on his indefinite hunger strike despite mounting medical concern over his health.

Speaking at the protest site in Jantar Mantar, he told supporters, “I am weak from the outside but very strong inside,” and added, “I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost,” as the fast entered its 20th day.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been demanding action over alleged examination irregularities and accountability from the Union education minister.

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The stakes rise with every passing day

Wangchuk had lost another 350 grams, taking his cumulative weight loss to about 9.5 kg.

He weighed 56.55 kg, with blood pressure of 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, pulse at 72 beats per minute and oxygen saturation at 96 per cent.

Doctors said he showed signs of mild dehydration but remained mentally alert. Doctors had warned a day earlier that the prolonged fast had reached a critical stage and could lead to organ damage if it continued.

Wangchuk, however, has refused to call off the fast, arguing that ending it without a response from the government would send the wrong message.

The circle of support grows wider

The escalation has also drawn in other fasting protesters and a widening circle of political and public support.

The health of three All India Students’ Association activists — Neha, Manish and Aameen — had also deteriorated, with the student body saying their conditions had become medically severe after 20 days of fasting.

The Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and provide medical assistance if his condition worsens.

On Friday, Congress leader Pawan Khera and NCP-SP MP Supriya Sule visited the protest site and urged the Centre to engage with the protesters, while other leaders and public figures, including opposition politicians, artists and academics, extended backing to the agitation.

All eyes now turn to July 20

The protest has been building since June 20, with Wangchuk joining the agitation on June 28.

The CJP has said its demands include the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide over alleged examination irregularities, while the planned march to Parliament is set for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

In a separate development, Dumri MLA Jayram Mahto met Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and urged the government to hold immediate talks, citing concern over the activist’s health and the need to resolve the standoff.

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FAQs

Q1: Why is Sonam Wangchuk on a hunger strike?

Sonam Wangchuk is supporting a protest that seeks action over alleged examination irregularities and demands accountability from the Union education minister.

Q2: When is Sonam Wangchuk’s Parliament march planned?

The organisers have called for a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.