It will end quickly if education accountability issue raised in Monsoon Parliament session: Gitanjali’s wife conveys Wangchuk’s message
Activist Sonam Wangchuk will call off his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders meet him at Safdarjung Hospital and assure him that the issue of accountability for education will be raised during the monsoon session of Parliament starting on Monday (July 20, 2026), his wife Gitanjali Angmo said on Sunday (July 19, 2026).
LIVE Updates of Jantar Mantar Protest – 19 July 2026
Addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was spearheading a movement against the alleged NEET paper leak, seeking education reforms, Ms Angmo said Mr Wangchuk said he would end his fast provided political parties commit to addressing the issue in Parliament.
“If the political leaders meet Sonam at the hospital and assure him that they will raise the issue of responsibility for education during the monsoon session, they will end their hunger strike tomorrow,” Ms. Angmo said.
She also interpreted Mr. Wangchuk’s appeal to the movement’s supporters ahead of the CJP’s proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on Monday (July 19, 2026) and urged them to maintain peace and discipline.
“Sonam has asked all of us to start tomorrow’s march peacefully and ensure that the protest is not misused,” Ms Angmo said.
Amid concerns about Mr Wangchuk’s health, she said the activist was stable. “Sonam’s health is absolutely fine. I tried my best in the Supreme Court to get him shifted to a private hospital, but I failed,” she said.
On Saturday (July 18, 2026), Delhi Police forcibly admitted Mr. Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital after three weeks of fasting at the CJP’s protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Ms Angmo and the CJP said Mr Wangchuk continues to fast in hospital and refuses any drip.
Wangchuk stable receiving required medical intervention: Safdarjung Hospital
The activist was stable but needed round-the-clock medical care and close monitoring due to the physiological stress and systemic effects of his prolonged hunger strike, Safdarjung Hospital authorities said.
A health bulletin issued by VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital said Mr. Wangchuk’s vital signs were stable and his blood parameters showed slight improvement. A multidisciplinary team of experts from Safdarjung Hospital and Delhi AIIMS is overseeing his treatment.
“Sonam Wangchuk is receiving necessary medical care at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. His vitals are stable. While his blood parameters have shown slight improvement, it requires careful monitoring.” “Accordingly, all necessary medical care is being provided and his clinical condition is being closely monitored,” said a health bulletin issued by Safdarjung Hospital at 7 pm.
Despite the days of fasting, Mr. Wangchuk remains alert, Charu Bamba, medical superintendent, VMMC and Safdarjung Superspeciality Hospital, told reporters in the morning. “As you know, he has been admitted to us since yesterday morning. Just like yesterday, he is fully alert, conscious and oriented. His vital signs including blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation are normal,” she said.
However, Ms. Lamba added that some of his blood (laboratory) parameters are slightly abnormal. “They are just below or above the normal range and we are conducting further investigations. Our team is providing him with continuous treatment,” she said.
“As he is weak and still fasting, he requires constant monitoring and further evaluation,” she added.
The CJP and Mr Wangchuk are demanding accountability for the alleged leak of NEET papers, action against those responsible and wider reforms in the education system.
Monday’s proposed march to Parliament coincides with the opening day of the monsoon session, which will continue till August 13.
Over the past few weeks, the agitation has received support from several opposition leaders and student organisations, while the Delhi High Court has also been monitoring Wangchuk’s health through regular status reports.
Published – 19 Jul 2026 22:45 IST