Sonam Wangchuk Loses 8.2 Kg As Hunger Strike Enters 17th Day
Sonam Wangchuk Loses 8.2 Kg As Hunger Strike Enters 17th Day Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 17:35 IST Sonam Wangchuk joined the CJP's
Sonam Wangchuk Loses 8.2 Kg As Hunger Strike Enters 17th Day Published By, Last Updated: July 14, 2026, 17:35 IST Sonam Wangchuk joined the CJP's agitation at the Jantar Mantar on June 28 and has been fasting ever since. According to the latest medical update, Wangchuk's blood pressure stood at 107/70 mmHg, while his blood glucose level was recorded at 67 mg/dL. (Photo: X) Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has lost 8.2 kilograms since joining an indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar in support of the Cockroach Janata Party’s (CJP) protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has been fasting ever since. The protest, led by the CJP, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged lapses in the conduct of the medical entrance exam. According to the latest medical update, Wangchuk’s blood pressure stood at 107/70 mmHg, while his blood glucose level was recorded at 67 mg/dL. The activist has now completed 17 days of fasting, while the broader protest has entered its 24th day.
The CJP has also announced a march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session. Political Leaders Appeal to Wangchuk to End Fast As concerns grow over Wangchuk’s health, several political leaders have voiced support and urged the government to engage with him. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, describing his life as invaluable to the country. “We humbly request and earnestly appeal to Shri Sonam Wangchuk ji to break his fast. His life is invaluable to the entire world because it embodies the same commitment to humanity, the environment and democracy," Yadav said in a post on X. The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister also criticised the BJP-led government, alleging that it was indifferent to public concerns and sacrifices. Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal has also extended support to the agitation and said he would meet Wangchuk on July 16. Zeenat Aman Urges Government to Open Dialogue Veteran actor Zeenat Aman called on the Centre to hold talks with Wangchuk, saying India should not remain a silent spectator while one of its most respected minds puts his health at risk.
“We must not become a society that sits back and watches one of its greatest minds be sacrificed," Aman wrote on Instagram. “India has a long history of peaceful protest; those who wield power are obliged to meet such protest with peaceful dialogue. I implore the Indian government to open dialogue on this matter that concerns the future of all India," she added. Omi Vaidya Says ‘I Don’t Want Him to Die’ Actor Omi Vaidya, best known for playing Chatur “Silencer" Ramalingam in the 2009 film 3 Idiots, also appealed for greater public attention to Wangchuk’s deteriorating health. In a video posted on X, Vaidya reminded viewers that Aamir Khan’s character Phunsukh Wangdu was inspired by Wangchuk. “I don’t want him to die," the actor said, urging people to learn about the activist’s campaign and the issues he has raised regarding India’s education system. “I don’t know if the media is reporting this, but this is a pretty important thing. Whether you agree with him or not, I don’t want him to die," Vaidya said.
The BriefWire