Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has said he will not end his indefinite hunger strike before July 20, declaring that he wants to personally lead the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) planned ‘Sansad Chalo’ march to Parliament. His announcement came on Friday as his fast entered its 20th day and the protest at Jantar Mantar completed 28 days.
Speaking to supporters gathered at the protest site in New Delhi, Wangchuk said, ‘I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you. And if our march doesn’t succeed on July 20, then I’ll come back as a ghost.’
Parliament march at centre of protest
Wangchuk is protesting over alleged irregularities in the education system and has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The CJP has planned a march to Parliament on July 20, which coincides with the opening day of the Monsoon Session.
Appealing for greater public participation, Wangchuk said the movement now needs people’s presence more than their concern for his health.
‘I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,’ he told supporters.
He had earlier urged people to join the demonstration instead of asking him to end his fast, saying, ‘Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July… peaceful march to the Parliament.’
Health under close watch
Doctors have reported a steady decline in Wangchuk’s health since the hunger strike began. According to the latest medical bulletin, his weight has fallen to 56.65 kg, dropping by 500 grams in the past 24 hours and by more than 9 kg overall.
His blood pressure was recorded at 105/61 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, and oxygen saturation at 97%. Although he remains conscious and alert, doctors have advised continuous medical supervision.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and the Delhi government to monitor his condition daily and ensure medical assistance is provided if required. The Centre has informed the court that it is keeping a close watch on his health.
Movement draws wider support
Wangchuk’s hunger strike has become the focal point of the CJP movement, drawing support from politicians, writers, actors and members of civil society. What began as a student-led campaign has grown into a wider public movement, with increasing attention focused on the July 20 Parliament march.
While appeals for him to end the fast continue, Wangchuk has made it clear that he will judge the success of the protest by the turnout at the march rather than the number of days he has gone without food.
