Sonam Wangchuk has made it clear that he will not end his indefinite hunger strike, despite appeals from political leaders and supporters. He said breaking the fast without any response from the government would send the wrong message, suggesting that accountability could be ignored.
“If I eat, what message will go? The message to the government will be that there is no need for accountability. Protesters sit and leave…” Wangchuk explained, stressing that ending the fast prematurely would weaken the movement.
Instead, he urged people to strengthen the Cockroach Janta Party’s proposed Parliament march on July 20. He called on students in schools and colleges to join, describing it as “a real lesson in political science and democracy.”
In a video message shared on day 18 of his fast, Wangchuk acknowledged receiving thousands of appeals to break his fast, including visits from senior politicians. He noted that some had even approached the court seeking directions to make him eat.
Seeking to reassure supporters, Wangchuk said medical examinations had shown no immediate danger. “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. An ECG was also done and it is not bad. I can continue for many more days,” he said.
He admitted to weakness and muscle fatigue but insisted his heart and core remain strong. He appealed to schools, colleges, and universities to observe July 20 as a day of experiential education under the National Education Policy, allowing students to witness and participate in democratic action.
“Come in thousands on July 20. Together, we will hand over this issue to the Parliament. Then I will believe that it has gone into the right hands,” Wangchuk said, urging registrations through the campaign’s website or missed call initiative.
The Cockroach Janta Party has been staging a protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination. The group has called for a Parliament march on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon session.
