Hunger Strike – Sonam Wangchuk Urges Supporters to Join Parliament March on July 20
Hunger Strike –Activist Sonam Wangchuk has appealed to people backing his ongoing hunger strike to participate in the planned “Chalo Sansad” march on July 20 instead of requesting that he end his fast. As the protest entered its 18th day, Wangchuk said his health had weakened but remained stable enough to continue the movement. At the same time, leaders from different political parties visited the protest venue at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, reflecting growing public and political attention toward the campaign.
Health Condition Remains Under Close Observation
According to a medical update released by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), Wangchuk is being monitored around the clock by doctors. His condition has been described as weak, although he remains conscious and mentally alert. Medical records showed his weight had declined to 57.15 kilograms, marking a total loss of 8.9 kilograms since the hunger strike began, including 400 grams over the previous day. Doctors also reported his blood pressure at 105/76, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL, oxygen saturation at 97 percent, and hydration levels as satisfactory. The medical team said continuous observation remains necessary.
Wangchuk Calls for Peaceful Participation
Sharing a video message from the protest site on social media platform X, Wangchuk encouraged supporters to focus on the upcoming Parliament march. He requested people to stand with the movement by joining the peaceful demonstration rather than urging him to discontinue the fast. The planned march is expected to take place on July 20.
CJP Questions Government’s Response
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke criticized the Union government, alleging that it had not responded to the demands raised during the protest. Referring to the deaths of students by suicide, Dipke said the movement was seeking accountability and justice but had received no official engagement. He also questioned why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not initiated dialogue with the protesters and asked why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had not been held accountable over the issues being raised.
Meanwhile, the CJP’s separate protest regarding alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered its 26th day. The party also announced a one-day mass hunger strike ahead of the Parliament march.
Political Leaders Extend Support
Several Members of Parliament from different political parties visited Jantar Mantar during the day to express solidarity with the protesters. Among those present were Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad, Samajwadi Party MPs Mohibbullah Naqvi and Ajendra Singh Lodhi, Trinamool Congress Rajya Sabha MP Dola Sen, Congress MP Prashant Yadaorao Padole, and CPI Rajya Sabha MP Sandosh Kumar.
According to the CJP, the visiting MPs assured demonstrators that their concerns would be raised during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament as well as at the all-party meeting scheduled for July 19.
Appeal for Wider Public Participation
Addressing supporters, Chandrashekhar Azad expressed backing for the July 20 Parliament march and urged students and young citizens from across the country to take part in the peaceful protest. He praised Wangchuk’s determination and questioned why senior government leaders had not responded to the concerns being raised by the movement.
Trinamool Congress leader Dola Sen said she attended the protest on behalf of party chief Mamata Banerjee and recalled Banerjee’s own prolonged hunger strike in 2006, saying she understood the physical and emotional challenges involved in such protests.
More Voices Join the Campaign
Comedian Kunal Kamra also visited the protest venue during the day. CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed public participation at Jantar Mantar had continued to increase and said support for the movement was expanding rapidly.
At another protest location, leaders of the All India Students’ Association (AISA), including Neha, Manish and Aameen, continued their hunger strike despite reports of declining health. The organization said several academics visited the students to express support, while Samajwadi Party leaders Priya Saroj, Atul Pradhan and Man Singh Yadav also backed the campaign and encouraged people to participate in the July 20 Parliament march.
Earlier, leaders including Mamata Banerjee, Akhilesh Yadav, Uddhav Thackeray and Arvind Kejriwal had appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, while actor Zeenat Aman urged the government to begin discussions with the activist. Former Gujarat Chief Minister Shankersinh Vaghela, actor Swara Bhaskar and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor also extended support to the ongoing movement. The CJP said more than 1.3 lakh people had registered their support for the proposed Parliament march through its missed-call campaign.