Authorities in New Delhi transferred social activist Sonam Wangchuk to a government hospital on Saturday after his health deteriorated during the 21st day of his hunger strike. Wangchuk, 59, had been fasting since June 28 to demand the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following widespread exam paper leaks in May that affected millions of students.
The hunger strike was initiated in solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has positioned itself as a significant critic of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government. Wangchuk’s protest drew substantial public attention, with extensive social media engagement and national media coverage amplifying calls for ministerial accountability.
On Saturday, police and security personnel moved Wangchuk from the protest site to Safdarjung Hospital despite his refusal to be hospitalized. Deputy Commissioner of Police Sachin Sharma stated the transfer was carried out under court orders and medical advice due to worsening health conditions. Wangchuk’s personal physician, Satish Lamba, indicated that hospital staff were particularly concerned about the risk of hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening drop in blood potassium levels. The hospital reported that Wangchuk was medically advised to receive intravenous fluids but declined all forms of treatment, including oral rehydration and medication. Medical teams are monitoring him continuously and urging him to accept care in his health interest.
Earlier in the week, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to closely observe Wangchuk’s condition and intervene if necessary, following a petition seeking compelled feeding due to his failing health. Concurrently, police removed several CJP supporters from the protest site, though many returned later as the party’s founder, Abhijeet Dipke, began an indefinite hunger strike in solidarity after Wangchuk’s hospitalization.
The CJP has announced plans for a march to India’s parliament on July 20, coinciding with the start of the monsoon session, to push for Pradhan’s resignation and broader exam reforms. Wangchuk had been a prominent figure throughout the protests, maintaining a visible presence on a stage at the demonstration site until his removal.