Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 17: Concern has mounted over the health condition of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk as his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar entered a critical phase, with doctors warning of possible complications if the fast continues.
Wangchuk has been on hunger strike since June 28, demanding action over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET, and seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke, who has been accompanying Wangchuk during the protest, expressed concern over the activist’s deteriorating health and said his condition had become extremely weak.
"I don't want to say this, but Sonam Wangchuk is on his deathbed," Dipke said in a video released by the CJP.
He claimed that Wangchuk had become so frail that his bones were visible and that he narrowly escaped falling twice while walking to the washroom. Videos from the protest site showed a visibly weak Wangchuk being supported by people as he moved slowly, though he continued to greet supporters gathered at the venue.
Dipke said he had urged Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, but the activist refused and insisted that the government should address the concerns raised by the protesters.
Doctors monitoring Wangchuk’s health have warned that his prolonged fasting has entered a serious stage. According to a medical bulletin issued by Dr Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since beginning his fast and currently weighs 56.9 kg.
Dr Lamba said Wangchuk’s body has entered a phase where, after exhausting glucose reserves, it begins using fat and muscle for energy. He noted that his ketone levels had increased and that elevated uric acid levels indicated muscle breakdown. The doctor warned that further continuation of the fast could affect vital organs and said Wangchuk was under continuous medical supervision.
The Delhi High Court, while hearing a petition concerning Wangchuk’s health, directed authorities to monitor his condition regularly and provide medical assistance whenever necessary. The court observed that every citizen’s life is precious and all possible medical efforts should be taken to safeguard it.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre and the Delhi government, informed the court that there was no objection to Wangchuk receiving regular medical check-ups.
Despite concerns over his health, Wangchuk has remained firm on continuing his protest. In a video message, he said medical tests had not shown any immediate danger and maintained that he could continue the fast for several more days.
"My condition is not such that I will die in two-four days. Many medical tests have been conducted and the results are quite normal for an 18-day fast," he said.
He also appealed to students and supporters to participate in the proposed Parliament march on July 20, describing the protest as an opportunity to understand democracy and civic responsibility.
Several political leaders and public figures have expressed concern over Wangchuk’s health and urged the government to engage with the protesters. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah criticised the Centre for not holding discussions with Wangchuk, while AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal visited the protest site and extended support.
The Supreme Court Bar Association also appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike, saying that the country needed his continued contribution.
Meanwhile, the CJP claimed that around 1.5 lakh people have registered for the proposed Parliament march on July 20, while Wangchuk continues his hunger strike demanding a response from the government.