Sonam Wangchuk's health stable on day 20 of hunger strike; opposition leaders show support
New Delhi, July 26: Activist Sonam Wangchuk completed 20 days of his indefinite hunger strike on Friday, with doctors reporting mild dehydration and a weight loss of 350 grams. His physician, Dr. Satish Lamba, stated that Wangchuk's blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 80 mg/dL, and pulse 72 bpm, and that he remained mentally alert. The activist is under 24-hour medical vigilance by his own team as well as government-appointed doctors, following a Delhi High Court order requiring the Ministry of Health to ensure timely medical intervention if his condition worsens.
Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET re-exam and CBSE paper evaluations. The protest at Jantar Mantar has drawn growing crowds and support from opposition politicians. Three students from the All India Students' Association (AISA) are on a parallel hunger strike; two have been advised to use wheelchairs, and one has been urged to break the fast due to low blood sugar. Three other students ended their fast after their health deteriorated.
Congress MP Pawan Khera and former Delhi Minister Rajendra Pal visited Wangchuk, expressing solidarity. Khera criticized the government, saying it is insensitive to democratic opposition. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed a programme in Dehradun on similar issues. NCP-SCP MP Supriya Sule also met Wangchuk and promised that all eight NCP-SCP MPs would join a march to Parliament on July 20. Former Law Minister Ashwani Kumar urged Wangchuk to end his fast, calling for respect for conscientious dissenters.
The protest has seen an increase in attendance, with high-profile visitors urging supporters to join. The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is organizing the protest, reiterated its demand for the government to engage with protesters and address examination reforms. Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker also expressed solidarity with students affected by the NEET re-exam and CBSE evaluation issues.
