Sonam Wangchuk Hospitalisation: The Cockroach Janta Party has said that its planned march towards Parliament on Monday, July 20, will take place even after activist Sonam Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital.
Wangchuk was taken away from the Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday, July 18. He was on the 21st day of his hunger strike. Delhi Police said his health had become weak and doctors had advised immediate hospital care. Police also said the action followed directions given by the Delhi High Court.
The hunger strike began on June 28. Wangchuk joined students and CJP supporters who have been protesting over alleged paper leaks, problems in the NEET examination and other issues linked to India’s examination system. The protesters are also demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Abhijeet Dipke begins Another Hunger Strike
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement would not stop because Wangchuk had been moved to a hospital. Soon after the police action, Dipke announced that he was starting his own indefinite fast.
“I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now,” Dipke mentioned in a post on X after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital. He also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation.
Dipke asked supporters to remain peaceful but firm. He said he would continue the hunger strike in support of Wangchuk and the students taking part in the protest. Several Left student groups have also joined the agitation. These include the All India Students’ Association, the Students’ Federation of India and the All India Students Federation. Some student activists are also continuing their hunger strikes at Jantar Mantar.
Wangchuk’s Wife Questions Hospital Treatment
Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo, said the July 20 march would still go ahead. She said she would represent her husband and lead the march if he was not able to take part because of his health.
Angmo also asked Safdarjung Hospital to discharge Wangchuk. She said the family had lost confidence in the hospital because medical information was not being shared properly. She asked doctors not to give him oral medicines, intravenous fluids or any other treatment without permission from the family and the doctors who had been checking him during the hunger strike.
“Yesterday, doctors from Safdarjung had checked him and all vitals were normal. Potassium was 4.3. Now they are saying the potassium is 2.9 and it is life-threatening. But when we asked for the report, they are showing us the report but not giving it. I am having trust issues due to lack of transparency,” she said, as per PTI.
Angmo said the family wanted another medical test before allowing treatment for low potassium.
“I’ve asked them not to administer potassium… We are going to do another test from a different lab before giving medicines. Sonam is absolutely fine and we will soon shift him to a hospital we trust,” she added.
Hospital says Wangchuk needs monitoring
Safdarjung Hospital gave a different account of his condition. The hospital said Wangchuk was conscious when he was admitted. His pulse, blood pressure and oxygen level were stable but doctors found dehydration and other changes caused by the long fast.
His blood sugar was reported at 78 mg/dL. Tests also showed a drop in potassium levels and other metabolic problems. The hospital said doctors advised intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and medicines. However, Wangchuk refused these treatments and continued his fast. He remains under regular medical monitoring.
Police said Wangchuk was moved because doctors believed he needed urgent care. CJP supporters have described the move as forced and have questioned why he was removed from the protest site without the family’s approval.
Delhi Police increase security before July 20 march
The Parliament march is planned for July 20, the same day the Monsoon Session begins. Delhi Police have tightened security across the city with more personnel, barricades, and vehicle checks.
Police said no permission has been granted for the march, which could lead to restrictions if protesters try to move towards Parliament. Several opposition leaders have criticised the police action against Sonam Wangchuk.
