Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised: Now what will happen to CJP's protest rally held on July 20 in Parliament? What Dipke & Gitanjali Said

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said its planned march to Parliament on July 20 would go ahead even as activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during his 21-day hunger strike. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that the protest would go ahead as planned and said he would continue the indefinite hunger strike launched in support of the agitation. Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J. Angmo confirmed that she will lead the march on July 20.

“Right now I’m starting an indefinite hunger strike,” Dipke mentioned in a post on X after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital. He also sought the resignation of Prime Minister Modi.

Wangchuk was shifted from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after doctors recommended hospitalization due to concerns over his deteriorating health. Police said the decision was taken on medical advice and in accordance with the directions of the Delhi High Court. The activist has been fasting since June 28 over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, paper leaks and concerns over student issues.

After Wangchuk’s hospitalization, Dipke said the movement would not be affected by the development and that the protest would continue. He urged supporters to stand firm and announced that he would continue his hunger strike. CJP along with leftist student organizations AISA and SFI led the agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Meanwhile, Angmo raised concerns about his treatment at Safdarjung Hospital and asked for his release. She claimed the hospital failed to maintain transparency in sharing medical information and demanded that no oral or intravenous treatment be administered without the approval of the family and the medical team that monitored his health during the hunger strike.

Angmo also claimed Wangchuk was “absolutely fine” but claimed the hospital refused to provide copies of his medical reports despite repeated requests. She said the family wanted him moved to a medical facility of his choice because of a loss of confidence in the hospital’s handling of his treatment.

“Yesterday Safdarjung doctors checked him and all vital signs were fine. Potassium was 4.3. Now they say potassium is 2.9 and it is life threatening. But when we asked for the report, they showed us the report but did not provide it. I have trust issues because of the lack of transparency,” she said, according to PTI.

“I have asked them not to give potassium… We will do another test from another lab before giving the medicine. Sonam is absolutely fine and soon we will take him to a hospital we trust,” she added.

However, Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk was admitted in a conscious state with a stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, although signs of dehydration were detected. The hospital said doctors recommended IV fluids, but he refused IV fluids, oral rehydration fluids and other medications. It added that he was constantly monitored and referred for treatment in the best interest of his health.

The controversy surrounding Wangchuk’s hospitalization drew criticism from several opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress. The CJP insisted that the July 20 parliamentary march would go ahead, though sources told ANI that the organization is yet to seek formal permission from the Delhi Police for the protest.