Wangchuk’s Health Declines to ‘Critical Stage’; Doctors Urge Urgent Intervention as HC Orders Daily Monitoring
Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated significantly as he continues his indefinite hunger strike at the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protest in Jantar Mantar, New Delhi. Medical professionals have raised alarms about the potential impact on his organs if he persists in his fast. Wangchuk’s hunger strike aims to pressure the government to dismiss Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged irregularities in the NEET UG exam and broader issues within the education system.
Despite the warnings from medical experts, Wangchuk remains steadfast in his commitment to the protest, asserting that ending his fast without a government response would convey a negative message. He expressed confidence in his ability to continue fasting for an extended period and called on supporters to bolster the CJP’s planned march to Parliament.
Monitor Health Daily, Extend Medical Aid: Delhi High Court to Government on Wangchuk
The Delhi High Court has intervened in the situation, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that raised concerns about Wangchuk’s health. The court has directed authorities to conduct daily monitoring of his condition and provide medical assistance if necessary. The bench emphasized the importance of preserving life, stating, “We observe that the life of any citizen is precious and all medical efforts ought to be made by government authorities to save the same.”
No Objection in Monitoring Wangchuk’s Health, Says Government
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing both the Central and Delhi governments, affirmed that every individual’s life is valuable and there are no objections to regular medical check-ups for Wangchuk.
Wangchuk Loses Over 9 Kgs Since June 28 When He Began Hunger Strike
According to Dr. Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost over nine kilograms since he began his hunger strike on June 28, bringing his weight down to 56.9 kg. Dr. Lamba indicated that Wangchuk has entered a critical phase of prolonged fasting. “After glucose reserves are exhausted, the body consumes fat. After that, muscles begin to get consumed,” he explained. He noted that Wangchuk’s ketone levels had reached 3-plus but improved hydration brought it down to 2-plus. Elevated uric acid levels suggest muscle consumption.
‘Precious Gem, Government Must Intervene,’ Urges Doctor
Dr. Lamba expressed urgent concern about Wangchuk’s health, stating that the next stage could be alarming, with potential organ damage. “We are keeping him under 24×7 vigilance and hope it does not reach that stage. I urge the government to intervene as soon as possible because he is a precious gem and we do not want to lose him,” he said.
Wangchuk’s health update came shortly after he released a video message, reaffirming his commitment to the hunger strike despite appeals from political leaders and supporters. He encouraged people to register for the upcoming march through the campaign’s website or missed-call initiative, with approximately 150,000 participants already confirmed for the July 20 event.
Students, Opposition, Farmers Seen at Cockroach Party’s Protest
The CJP has been actively protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged NEET examination irregularities. Wangchuk joined the protest 19 days ago, and several student leaders from AISA are also participating in an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity.
Support for Wangchuk’s cause continues to grow, with Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticizing the Central government’s inaction. AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, expressing solidarity with the protest alongside other party leaders.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav and a delegation of SP leaders also visited Wangchuk, voicing their support. The Congress party has urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, asserting that “his concerns are our concerns,” while TMC chief Mamata Banerjee criticized the government for failing to engage with Wangchuk.
Supreme Court Bar Association Appeals Wangchuk to End His Fast
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has appealed to Wangchuk to conclude his fast, emphasizing the need for him to remain “alive, active, and engaged” rather than jeopardizing his health for a troubled system. Prominent figures from various fields, including music composer Vishal Dadlani, actors Sonakshi Sinha and Atul Kulkarni, and economist Jean Dreze, have expressed their concerns over Wangchuk’s deteriorating health and called for government engagement.
As reported by www.timesnownews.com.
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Published on 2026-07-17 04:43:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk
