Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital as Hunger Strike Enters Day 21; CJP Vows to Continue 'Chalo Sansad' March

Sonam Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital as Hunger Strike Enters Day 21; CJP Escalates Protest

In a significant escalation of the ongoing student-led movement, climate activist and educator Sonam Wangchuk was hospitalised early Saturday morning, July 18, 2026, as his indefinite hunger strike entered its 21st day. Delhi Police personnel intervened at the Jantar Mantar protest site to shift Mr. Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital, citing "essential medical care" necessitated by his rapidly deteriorating health condition, a move taken in compliance with Delhi High Court directives as reported by The Hindu.

Medical Crisis and Police Intervention

The activist, who has been protesting against alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, has reportedly lost over 9 kg since the beginning of his fast on June 28, according to India Today. Medical reports indicated that his physical condition had reached a critical stage, prompting authorities to act to prevent severe, long-term health complications.

The early morning operation by the police, which activists described as a "crackdown," involved the removal of Mr. Wangchuk from the protest site, leading to a brief commotion. While his family has urged that no medical treatment be administered without their explicit consent, as noted by The New Indian Express, the Delhi Police maintained that the hospitalisation was necessary under the court's mandate for continuous medical monitoring.

CJP Escalates Movement: New Fast and Parliament March

The removal of Mr. Wangchuk has failed to quell the movement. Shortly after the incident, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced the commencement of his own indefinite hunger strike in solidarity. Addressing the media, Mr. Dipke reaffirmed the movement’s resolve, stating that the "Chalo Sansad" (March to Parliament)—scheduled for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session—will proceed as planned, as reported by The New Indian Express.

• Political Condemnation: The Centre’s handling of the situation has drawn sharp criticism from Opposition leaders. Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal termed the police action "arrogance," while NCP (SP) president Sharad Pawar slammed the government’s "irresponsible" approach to the genuine grievances of the nation’s youth, as covered by The Hindu.

• Focus on July 20: Despite the change in leadership at the protest site, the CJP continues to call for nationwide participation for the march to the Parliament. The movement’s core demands remain unchanged: a transparent examination system and the resignation of Mr. Pradhan, according to India Today.

• Tightened Security: Following the hospitalisation, security has been heavily stepped up at both Jantar Mantar and Safdarjung Hospital to manage the influx of supporters and prevent law and order disruptions, reports Rediff News.

As the movement heads into this weekend, the focus remains firmly on the upcoming Parliament session. With the activist now under medical oversight and new voices stepping up to lead the fast, the protest has entered its most high-stakes phase yet.