Activist Sonam Wangchuk has reiterated that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike despite concerns over his deteriorating health, declaring that he is determined to remain on the fast until at least July 20. The 59-year-old, whose protest has entered its 20th day, is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak. Wangchuk has also appealed to supporters to participate in large numbers in the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed march to Parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the Monsoon Session.

Addressing supporters at the protest site in Delhi, Wangchuk said he remained mentally strong despite physical weakness caused by the prolonged fast. He urged people to join the peaceful march to Parliament, describing it as an opportunity to present their demands in the "temple of democracy". In a lighter moment, he remarked that he would "stay alive till July 20 at any cost" and joked that he would "come back as a ghost" if supporters failed to make the demonstration successful, drawing cheers from those gathered.

Doctors monitoring Wangchuk's condition have expressed growing concern over the impact of the prolonged fast. According to Dr. Satish Lamba, who has been examining him regularly, the activist has lost around nine kilograms since beginning the hunger strike. The doctor said Wangchuk has been surviving only on water for nearly three weeks, leading to significant loss of body fat and muscle mass. Medical experts warned that continued fasting could become life-threatening if the body begins consuming vital organs for energy.

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Despite the medical warnings, Wangchuk has refused to end the protest, maintaining that calling off the hunger strike without any response from the government would send the wrong message. He has insisted that the immediate priority is ensuring the success of the planned Parliament march, which organisers hope will draw widespread public participation and place greater attention on their demands.

The matter has also reached the Delhi High Court, which has directed the authorities to closely monitor Wangchuk's health and ensure that appropriate medical assistance is provided if his condition worsens. The court's intervention came after concerns were raised regarding the risks associated with the prolonged hunger strike and the activist's declining physical condition.

The CJP-led protest began on June 20, while Wangchuk joined the agitation on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then. As preparations continue for the July 20 march, attention remains focused on both the activist's health and the government's response to the demands surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak, with medical experts continuing to caution that prolonged fasting poses serious health risks.

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