'I am still alive': Sonam Wangchuk loses 11kg after 26-day hunger strike amid Delhi education protests

Although Wangchuk is no longer physically present at Jantar Mantar, banners, posters and artwork featuring him and highlighting his hunger strike remain a dominant feature of the protest site.

Before being admitted to hospital, Wangchuk spent 21 days protesting outdoors in Delhi's extreme summer heat while surviving only on water and salt.

According to a statement issued by Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Wednesday, Wangchuk was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors said he remains stable, fully conscious and under the care of a multidisciplinary medical team. The hospital added that all treatment is being provided with his informed consent.

The same day, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, several opposition Members of Parliament, activists and public figures urged Wangchuk to end his fast for the sake of his health.

Union Health Minister JP Nadda, who visited Wangchuk in hospital on Tuesday night, also appealed to him to call off the hunger strike. Nadda said the government had enquired about his condition and requested him to resume normal activities while continuing to guide students. He added that the Centre remained open to discussions regarding the issues raised during the protest.

Despite repeated appeals, Wangchuk has refused to end his fast.

In a video message released from his hospital bed on Wednesday night, he acknowledged that leaders from both the ruling party and the opposition had requested him to stop fasting. He said he also wished to return to his work but would not do so until the government assured him that no retaliatory action or force would be used against protesting students.

Wangchuk stated that he would immediately end his hunger strike if such a guarantee were provided. Otherwise, he said he would have no choice but to continue.

He also praised the discipline shown by students during Monday's confrontation with police. According to Wangchuk, despite facing baton charges, protesters remained peaceful and did not retaliate. Witnessing the police action, he said, strengthened his resolve to continue the fast.

Although Wangchuk's recent statements and his earlier communication with central ministers did not mention the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, CJP leaders clarified that the demand remains unchanged.

Abhijeet Dipke told supporters that the peaceful demonstration at Jantar Mantar would continue until Pradhan stepped down. He said the movement would ensure that neither Wangchuk's sacrifice nor the alleged assault on students would be forgotten.

Students participating in the campaign hold Pradhan responsible for repeated leaks of major competitive examinations, including the latest medical entrance exam, arguing that he should accept moral responsibility and resign from office.

Pradhan has not directly responded to calls for his resignation. Instead, he accused the opposition Congress party of exploiting students for political purposes in an attempt to create unrest.

On Monday, following the CJP's call for a march to Parliament at the start of the Monsoon Session, tens of thousands of demonstrators gathered in central Delhi.

Police used force to disperse the crowds, resulting in widespread criticism from opposition parties and human rights organisations.

Authorities reported that 60 protesters were injured during the clashes. However, the CJP claimed that at least 150 demonstrators required hospital treatment. Journalists at the scene witnessed police using batons and tear gas against protesters, and videos of the confrontation quickly circulated online.

Police also said 118 officers sustained injuries during the violence and confirmed that 70 protesters had been arrested, with most later released on bail.

On Thursday, Human Rights Watch criticised the police response, stating that security personnel had used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

The organisation called on Prime Minister Modi's government to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident, protect the right to peaceful protest and stop suspending mobile internet services, arguing that communication restrictions place the public at greater risk.

Security personnel also dismantled the main protest stage and temporary shelters at Jantar Mantar. Nevertheless, demonstrators have continued their round-the-clock sit-in despite a heavy deployment of police and paramilitary forces.

Since Wednesday, authorities have closed 16 Delhi Metro stations in central parts of the capital without providing an official explanation. Protesters believe the closures are intended to limit access to the protest site.

The Cockroach Janta Party began as a satirical political movement inspired by comments made earlier this year by India's Chief Justice, who referred to unemployed young people entering journalism and activism as "cockroaches." Following public criticism, the Chief Justice clarified that his remarks were aimed only at individuals holding fake or fraudulent degrees.

Monday's massive turnout demonstrated that, although the CJP is not a registered political party, it has grown into a significant public movement capable of mobilising tens of thousands of people.

The protests have also drawn support from opposition leaders. On Tuesday, several prominent politicians, including Congress MP Rahul Gandhi, demonstrated outside Prime Minister Modi's residence. Videos showing police dragging Gandhi away from the protest site spread widely on social media, triggering strong reactions from political leaders and the public.