Opposition support grows as Wangchuk’s hunger strike continues into its 20th day

Activist Sonam Wangchuk had lost 350 grams and was mildly dehydrated on Friday (July 26, 2026), his doctor Satish Lamba said, according to a statement issued by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP). Mr Wangchuk entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Mr. Wangchuk’s blood pressure was 108/68 mmHg, blood sugar 80 mg/dL, and heart rate 72 beats/min. He remained “mentally alert,” said Dr. Lamb. “The medical team said that Sonam Wangchuk continues to be under 24-hour medical vigilance and his health is being closely monitored,” the CJP said.

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The activist is also under close observation by government-appointed doctors following a Delhi High Court order that has forced the health department to ensure early medical intervention if his condition worsens. CJP activists accompanying Mr. Wangchuk began wearing face masks when interacting with Mr. Wangchuk, fearing that he might catch an infection in the crowded protest area.

Three students of the CPI(ML) Liberation’s All India Students’ Association (AISA), who are on a concurrent hunger strike, have been advised not to walk and will use wheelchairs for the rest of the fast, former AISA president N. Sai Balaji said.

“Neha’s blood sugar is very low and doctors have suggested that she break her fast and be hospitalized before the hypoglycemia worsens,” Balaji said in a statement. “Aameen has an incredibly high accumulation of uric acid in his body and has also lost almost 14% of his body weight. Manish has lost more than 10 kg and was on the verge of losing consciousness, requiring constant support for basic life activities.” Three other students who started the hunger strike ended it after their condition worsened.

Congress MP Pawan Khera and former Delhi Minister Rajendra Pal visited Mr. Wangchuk. They inquired about his health and expressed solidarity with the striking AISA students. “There is a very insensitive government sitting at the top that does not understand the language of the democratic opposition,” Mr Khera told reporters after calling on Mr Wangchuk to end his fast.

Congress leaders have increasingly taken to visiting Mr. Wangchuk even as the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, spoke at a program in Dehradun on issues similar to those raised by the CJP and the Ladakh activist.

Crowds swelled at the Jantar Mantar protest site on Friday (July 17, 2026) afternoon as concerns grew over Mr Wangchuk’s health. Several high profile visitors also called on their own supporters to fill the protest venue and increase the attendance beyond the level witnessed during the inaugural demonstration after CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke’s arrival in India.

“The party again urges the Government of India to immediately engage the protesters, address demands for examination reforms and respond to the growing concerns of students across the country,” the CJP said in a statement.

Former Union Law and Justice Minister Ashwani Kumar also visited Mr. Wangchuk. “In any accommodating and dignified democracy, the lives of conscientious objectors should be valued and not compromised for any reason,” Kumar said in a statement, urging Mr Wangchuk to end his fast. “The nation prays for his good health and long life in the service of these causes.”

Nationalist Congress Party – Sharadchandra Pawar (NCP-SCP) MP Supriya Sule also met Mr. Wangchuk and urged him to end his fast. “I pledge that all eight NCP-SCP MPs will join you in a march to Parliament on July 20,” Ms Sule told the rally. “This is not a fight for our children, but for everyone’s children.

Olympic medalist Manu Bhaker has expressed solidarity with students affected by the NEET re-examination and the alleged irregularities in this year’s CBSE paper evaluation. “This is not about promoting or opposing any political party. This is about speaking up for what really matters – education, environment, safety and responsibility,” Ms Bhaker wrote on Instagram. “We owe every child a future where they can learn, grow and dream without fear.”

Two remarkable events

Mr. Dipke confronted a national TV channel reporter for questioning. The CJP founder later said, “The media, which has been ignoring the Jantar Mantar protest all this time, has finally arrived.” He accused the channel of spreading “baseless propaganda”.

The second took place in London, where a journalist asked the actor Aamir Khan — who played Phunsukh Wangdu in the 2009 film “3 Idiots,” a character long known to have been inspired by Mr. Wangchuk — about the hunger strike. Mr Khan said it was a “misconception” that Mr Wangchuk inspired the character. He also acknowledged the video posted by actor Omi Vaidya, who also starred in the film, and supported the activist.

“I did not know Mr. Sonam at that time,” Mr. Khan said. He added of the ongoing fast: “I think we’re all very concerned about his health and his life and we hope he ends his fast and takes care of his health.”

Published – 17 Jul 2026 23:06 IST