Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday announced that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20 so he can lead the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) proposed march to Parliament. Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, Wangchuk said the success of the movement would depend on public participation in the march, joking that he would “return as a ghost” if the mobilisation failed.
His hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday, while the CJP protest reached its 28th day. Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system and has repeatedly sought a dialogue with the Centre.
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Speaking to supporters, Wangchuk said he would remain determined despite his deteriorating health. “I am weak from the outside but very strong inside,” he said, urging people to channel their energy into ensuring a peaceful and massive turnout for the July 20 “Sansad Chalo” march, which coincides with the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session.
Earlier this week, Wangchuk appealed to the public not to request him to end his fast but instead join the march to Parliament. He has maintained that ending the hunger strike without any response from the government would send the wrong message.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk said his health continues to decline. According to the latest medical bulletin, his weight has dropped to 56.65 kg, more than 9 kg below his weight at the start of the fast. While his blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen saturation remain stable, doctors have recommended continuous medical supervision.
The Delhi High Court has directed the Centre and the Delhi government to monitor Wangchuk’s health daily and provide immediate medical assistance if required. Meanwhile, several politicians, writers, actors and civil society members have visited Jantar Mantar in solidarity, urging him to end his fast while expressing support for the movement.
