New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk entered the 20th day of his indefinite hunger strike on Thursday, with doctors warning that his prolonged fasting has reached a critical stage and could begin to affect his organs if his condition worsens. The Delhi High Court has ordered daily health monitoring, and political leaders, public figures and legal bodies have urged him to end the fast — but Wangchuk remains resolute.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who has been with Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar since the fast began on June 28, issued an emotional appeal, saying the activist was “on his deathbed.” In a video released by the CJP, Dipke said Wangchuk looked frail, with “his bones visible,” and nearly fell twice while walking to the washroom. Social media clips showed a visibly weak Wangchuk being helped down from the stage and supported as he walked.
Wangchuk is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks, including in NEET. Despite his condition, he paused to smile and wave at supporters, many of them students and parents who had travelled from Delhi-NCR and other states.
Dr. Satish Lamba’s latest medical bulletin said Wangchuk has lost more than 9 kg since the fast began and now weighs 56.9 kg. Lamba described the situation as a critical stage of prolonged fasting: once glucose stores deplete, the body burns fat and then muscle. He reported that Wangchuk’s ketone levels had reached “3-plus” and later fell to “2-plus” after hydration; his uric acid remained high, suggesting muscle breakdown. Lamba warned the next phase could be alarming and potentially affect organs, urging swift government intervention while noting Wangchuk was under round-the-clock observation.
Responding to a public interest litigation raising health concerns, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor Wangchuk daily and provide medical assistance if needed. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court there was no objection to regular medical check-ups, stressing every life is precious.
Wangchuk dismissed suggestions to quit without a government response, releasing a video saying medical tests so far showed no immediate danger for an 18-day fast and that his ECG was “not bad.” He acknowledged weakness and muscle loss but said his heart and core remained fine and that he could continue for many more days. He urged students to treat the protest as “a real lesson in political science and democracy” and called for large turnout at a proposed Parliament march on July 20.
Political figures and public personalities visited Jantar Mantar or publicly appealed for him to stop. AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal met Wangchuk, expressed solidarity and called for Education Minister Pradhan’s resignation. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the Centre for failing to engage. The Supreme Court Bar Association, SCBA President Vikas Singh, and others urged Wangchuk to end the fast to preserve his life and ongoing engagement. Several artists, economists and activists also voiced concern and support. The CJP said about 1.5 lakh people had confirmed participation in the July 20 march.