Activist Sonam Wangchuk's Hunger Strike: A Call for Urgent Action Amid Health Concerns

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is on day 17 of his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, facing serious health issues as calls for him to end the fast grow louder. Support from celebrities like Swara Bhasker and Omi Vaidya highlights the urgency of the situation, with concerns about Wangchuk's deteriorating health and the implications of his protest against alleged NEET examination irregularities. As the CJP plans a march to Parliament, the pressure mounts for Wangchuk to reconsider his indefinite fast.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 14, 2026, 20:45 IST

Health Deterioration of Activist Sonam Wangchuk

After seventeen days of fasting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, activist Sonam Wangchuk is under increasing pressure to conclude his indefinite hunger strike. Abhijeet Dipke, the founder of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has raised alarms about Wangchuk's health, noting that he is losing muscle mass and suffering from severe pain. As concerns grow, there are heightened calls for Wangchuk to reconsider his protest.

On Tuesday, actress Swara Bhasker showed her support by visiting the protest site. The CJP shared photos of her presence on their official Instagram account, where she expressed her appreciation for Dipke's commitment to advocating for future generations. Bhasker referred to Wangchuk as “indefatigable” and highlighted the significance of his fight for the future of children.

The CJP has been actively protesting at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan due to alleged discrepancies in the NEET examination process. Wangchuk has been fasting since June 28, and the organization plans to escalate their efforts with a march to Parliament on July 20.

Notable personalities, including writer Arundhati Roy and actors Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, have urged the CJP to end the hunger strike. In a statement released on Monday, they stressed the importance of Wangchuk's leadership in this ongoing struggle, emphasizing that “this battle is a marathon, not a sprint, and we need you, your strength and leadership in the days to come.” Their appeal reflects deep concern for Wangchuk's health and the long-term effects of his protest.

In a poignant video, actor Omi Vaidya, recognized for his role as “Chatur” in the film 3 Idiots, made an emotional appeal regarding Wangchuk's deteriorating condition. He expressed his fears for Wangchuk's well-being, stating, “I don't want Funsukh Wangdu to die,” referencing his character. Vaidya's remarks highlight the urgency of the situation, as he pointed out that Wangchuk's blood sugar levels have significantly dropped, raising serious concerns about the implications of his extended hunger strike.