As Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk marks his 26th day without food on the streets of Delhi, the stakes are mounting for all involved. The usually robust 60-year-old has lost an alarming 11kg in just over three weeks, sparking serious health concerns. Yet, despite being forcibly removed from the protest venue at Jantar Mantar and admitted to hospital's ICU, Wangchuk remains resolute in his demands for education reform.
Medanta Hospital confirmed on Wednesday that Wangchuk is stable, with vital signs within acceptable limits, but his condition underscores the depth of his commitment. Before being hospitalised, he endured 21 scorching hot days in Delhi's summer heat, surviving on a meagre diet of salt and water. The activist has been at the forefront of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protests, which have drawn tens of thousands to central Delhi.
The protests, marked by clashes with police that injured over 180 people, including 60 protesters and 118 officers, are centred around Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's tenure. Critics argue that he has failed to prevent repeated leaks of major public exams, leaving him accountable for the mess. Abhijeet Dipke, CJP founder, insists that Pradhan's resignation is non-negotiable – a stance echoed by opposition MPs and even Health Minister JP Nadda, who visited Wangchuk at his hospital bed.
Wangchuk has been clear: he will only end his hunger strike if the government guarantees no force or retaliatory action against students involved in the protests. He pointed to Monday's 'lathi-charge' as a prime example of why his fast continues. Authorities, meanwhile, have responded with increasingly drastic measures – including closing 16 central Delhi metro stations since Wednesday.
While official reasons for the closures remain unclear, protesters believe they are designed to prevent further mobilisation towards Jantar Mantar. Demonstrators have, however, maintained a continuous sit-in under heavy police and paramilitary deployment, refusing to back down from their demands.