New Delhi: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his indefinite hunger strike for the 18th consecutive day on Wednesday, with doctors closely monitoring his deteriorating health as he presses for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. According to the latest medical update released by the Cockroach Janata Party, which is spearheading the protest, Wangchuk has now lost 8.9 kg since the beginning of his fast. His current weight stands at 57.15 kg, a decline of 400 grams from the previous day.
Doctors attending to the 59-year-old activist said he remains physically weak and is under round-the-clock medical observation. His latest vital signs showed a blood sugar level of 80 mg/dL, blood pressure of 105/76 mmHg, and fair hydration levels, while he continues to remain mentally alert. Medical experts monitoring Wangchuk said he has been consuming only salt water since beginning the fast and has not been placed on intravenous support. He is spending most of his time resting on a makeshift bed at the protest site.
The prolonged fast has sparked concern among several political leaders, civil society members, and activists, many of whom have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike in view of his worsening health. The issue has also reached the judiciary, with the Delhi High Court seeking responses from the Centre and the Delhi Government on a petition highlighting the activist’s declining medical condition. This is not Wangchuk’s first prolonged fast, as he previously undertook two hunger strikes lasting over 20 days each in 2024 while campaigning for greater environmental protection and constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. Despite growing health concerns, Wangchuk has continued his protest, maintaining his demand for accountability over the alleged NEET examination irregularities.
