Sonam Wangchuk Refuses to End Fast Despite Worsening Health

NEW DELHI, July 2026: Education reform activist Sonam Wangchuk has reaffirmed his decision to continue his indefinite hunger strike, dismissing concerns over his deteriorating health while urging supporters to strengthen the movement through public participation. As the protest entered its nineteenth day on Tuesday, Wangchuk said the campaign was about ensuring accountability in the country’s examination system and could not end without a meaningful response from the government.

In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk acknowledged receiving thousands of appeals from citizens, political leaders and well wishers requesting him to end his fast. However, he argued that abandoning the protest without concrete action would only weaken the demand for transparency and reform.

According to Wangchuk, ending the fast prematurely would send a signal that sustained public protests can be ignored without consequence. He maintained that the objective of the agitation extends beyond his personal sacrifice and is aimed at protecting the integrity of India’s competitive examination process.

The activist said his physical condition has weakened due to prolonged fasting but insisted that regular medical examinations indicate that his vital organs remain stable. He informed supporters that recent health assessments, including an electrocardiogram (ECG), did not reveal any immediate life-threatening complications, allowing him to continue the protest for the time being.

While acknowledging muscle loss and increasing fatigue, Wangchuk stated that he remains mentally determined and physically capable of continuing the movement for several more days. He stressed that the focus should remain on the larger issue of examination reforms rather than on his personal health.

Instead of urging him to end the fast, Wangchuk appealed to citizens across the country to participate in the planned march to Parliament on July 20. He said a large public turnout would send a stronger message to policymakers than individual expressions of concern for his health.

The upcoming march has been announced by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which has been leading the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar since June 20. The organisation is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging serious irregularities in the conduct of the NEET examination and other competitive recruitment and entrance tests.

Meanwhile, concern over Wangchuk’s health continues to grow among supporters and organisers. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke claimed that the activist has lost nearly 8.5 kilograms since the beginning of the hunger strike and is experiencing considerable physical discomfort due to prolonged fasting.

The issue also reached the judiciary after a petition was filed before the Delhi High Court seeking urgent medical intervention. The plea requested the court to direct authorities to admit Wangchuk to a government hospital and administer medical treatment, including force-feeding if necessary.

According to the petition, Wangchuk’s health has reportedly deteriorated to a critical stage, and continued fasting could pose a serious threat to his life. The petitioner argued that preserving life should take precedence and urged the court to intervene without delay.

The legal move has added another dimension to the ongoing protest, raising questions about balancing an individual’s right to peaceful protest with the state’s responsibility to protect life and health.

Political leaders from several Opposition parties have also met Wangchuk during the protest and appealed to him to reconsider his decision. While expressing solidarity with the demands for examination reforms, many leaders have urged him to avoid risking his health any further.

However, Wangchuk has maintained that the movement should not revolve around his personal condition but around the need to restore public confidence in India’s examination and recruitment systems. He believes that only sustained public pressure can compel authorities to address concerns raised by students and aspirants.

The agitation follows widespread controversy over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and other competitive tests, which sparked protests from students and education activists across the country. Demonstrators have demanded greater transparency, stronger safeguards against paper leaks, and increased accountability from examination authorities.

As preparations continue for the July 20 Parliament march, security agencies are expected to monitor the situation closely, while student groups and civil society organisations continue mobilising support for the demonstration.

With the hunger strike entering another crucial phase, attention now remains focused on both Wangchuk’s health and the government’s response to the growing demands for reforms in India’s examination system.