Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk's fast enters 20th day as parliament march nears

An indefinite hunger strike by Indian climate activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk entered its 20th day today (17 July), as doctors attending to him warned that his prolonged fast has reached a critical stage.

Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar in central Delhi over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination entered its 28th day. 

Wangchuk, who is demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, urged supporters to ensure the success of the outfit's planned march to the Indian Parliament on Monday (20 July).

The medical team attending to him said Wangchuk had lost another 350 grams over the past 24 hours, taking his total weight loss to around 9.5kg. He now weighs 56.55 kg.

A health bulletin issued this morning said his blood pressure was 108/68 mm Hg, blood sugar 80 mg/dL, pulse rate 72 beats per minute and oxygen saturation 96%. 

Doctors said he shows signs of mild dehydration but remains mentally alert.

Yesterday, the medical team warned that Wangchuk's condition had entered a critical stage due to the prolonged fast and that continued fasting could lead to organ damage.

Wangchuk has refused to end the hunger strike, saying that doing so without any response from the government will send the wrong message. 

He said the focus should now be on making the 20 July parliament march successful.

Addressing supporters at the protest site, the 59-year-old acknowledged his weakening physical condition but said his resolve remains firm.

"I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside and outside too. We need this energy for July 20 when we will take out a peaceful march to parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy," he said.

"I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don't come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost," he added.