Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health has become critical as his indefinite hunger strike entered another day at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar. He has been fasting since June 28, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks, including the NEET case.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said Wangchuk’s condition has become very serious. In an emotional video, he said, “I don’t want to say this, but Sonam Wangchuk is on his deathbed.”
Health Condition Continues to Worsen
Dipke said Wangchuk has become extremely weak and has lost a lot of weight. He claimed that Wangchuk nearly fell twice while walking to the washroom on Thursday.
Videos shared on social media showed Wangchuk walking slowly with the support of several people. Despite his condition, he smiled and waved at supporters, many of whom were students and parents.
Dipke also said he requested Wangchuk to end his fast, but Wangchuk refused.
According to Dipke, Wangchuk replied, “Don’t ask me to stop my hunger strike. Ask why the government is not listening to us.”
Doctors Warn of Serious Risks
According to the latest medical update, Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg since starting his fast and now weighs 56.9 kg.
Doctors said his body has entered a critical stage of prolonged fasting. They explained that after using stored glucose and fat, the body has started consuming muscle tissue. They warned that if the fast continues, his organs could also be affected.
Doctors are monitoring his health around the clock and have urged the government to act quickly.
Delhi High Court Steps In
The matter has now reached the Delhi High Court through a Public Interest Litigation (PIL).
The court directed the authorities to monitor Wangchuk’s health every day and provide immediate medical treatment if his condition worsens.
The court observed that every citizen’s life is precious and all necessary medical efforts should be made to protect it.
Wangchuk Refuses to End Fast
Despite concerns about his health, Wangchuk said he is not ready to end the hunger strike without a response from the government.
In a recent video message, he said medical tests, including an ECG, did not show any immediate danger. He admitted feeling weak but said his heart and overall condition were still stable.
He also encouraged students to see the protest as “a real lesson in democracy and political science” and appealed to supporters to join the Parliament march planned for July 20.
Support Continues to Grow
Several political leaders, lawyers, economists, actors and public figures have expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and appealed to the government to hold talks with him.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the Centre for not engaging with Wangchuk.
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also met him at Jantar Mantar and expressed support. He urged the government to listen to the students and Wangchuk and called for action over the examination paper leak issue.
The Supreme Court Bar Association also appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying the country needs him healthy and active.
According to the Cockroach Janata Party, around 1.5 lakh people have confirmed their participation in the Parliament march on July 20, while Wangchuk has said he will continue his hunger strike until the government responds.
