NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk said Friday that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20 so he can lead a planned march to Parliament. He also made a lighthearted remark, saying he would “come back as a ghost” if the campaign failed to draw enough public support.
Wangchuk has now completed 20 days without food. Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) protest at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has entered its 28th day. Supporters, public figures, and civil society members have continued to visit the protest site. However, many have also urged Wangchuk to end his fast because of growing concerns about his health.
Addressing supporters on Friday, Wangchuk said he would remain focused on the July 20 “Sansad Chalo,” or march to Parliament. He called on people to take part in large numbers instead of asking him to stop fasting.
“I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you. And if our march doesn’t succeed on July 20, then I’ll come back as a ghost,” Wangchuk told the crowd.
He also said he feels physically weak but mentally strong. At the same time, he encouraged supporters to remain united and peaceful during the planned march.
“We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy,” he said.
Wangchuk has remained on an indefinite hunger strike while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He has alleged serious irregularities in the education system. In addition, he has repeatedly called for direct talks with the Narendra Modi government.
Earlier this week, Wangchuk released a video message with the same appeal. Instead of asking him to break his fast, he urged people to join the Parliament march. According to him, ending the hunger strike without any response from the government would send the wrong message and weaken the movement.
Meanwhile, doctors have continued to monitor his condition closely. According to the latest medical update released Thursday, Wangchuk’s weight has dropped to 56.65 kilograms. He lost another 500 grams over the past 24 hours. Overall, he has lost more than nine kilograms since starting the hunger strike.
Doctors also recorded his blood pressure at 105/61 mmHg. His blood sugar measured 80 mg/dL, while his oxygen saturation remained at 97%. Although Wangchuk remains conscious and mentally alert, doctors have advised continuous medical supervision because of the risks linked to a prolonged fast.
His health concerns have also reached the Delhi High Court. The court directed both the central government and the Delhi government to monitor his condition every day. It also instructed authorities to provide immediate medical care if his health worsens. In response, the Centre informed the court that it would continue to monitor Wangchuk’s condition closely.
Over the past week, several politicians, writers, actors, and social activists have visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Wangchuk. Even so, many of them have publicly appealed to him to end the hunger strike and protect his health.
At the same time, Wangchuk’s fast has changed the direction of the CJP protest. When the campaign first began, many people viewed it as a satirical movement led mainly by students. The Cockroach Janata Party emerged after Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referred to unemployed youth as “cockroaches” and “parasites.” The remarks sparked criticism and inspired Abhijeet Dipke, then based in Boston, to launch the satirical political campaign.
However, Wangchuk’s decision to stop eating gave the protest a stronger public focus. As the fast continued, public attention shifted from online discussions to the activist’s health and demands. Consequently, more opposition leaders, writers, and public figures began engaging with the movement after the hunger strike crossed the two-week mark.
