"I'll come back as a ghost": Sonam Wangchuk links end of fast to July 20 march

Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20 so he could lead the proposed march to Parliament. Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, Wangchuk said he would remain on the fast until the mobilisation, joking that he would "come back as a ghost" if the march failed to attract significant participation.

Wangchuk's hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday, while the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar reached its 28th day. He reiterated that the July 20 "Sansad Chalo" march would be the movement's next major step and urged supporters to participate peacefully. Wangchuk said he remained mentally determined despite his weakening physical condition and stressed that the delegation would present its demands before Parliament.

The activist has been on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system. He has repeatedly maintained that ending the fast without any response from the Central government would send the wrong message. Earlier this week, Wangchuk appealed to supporters not to ask him to end his fast but instead join the Parliament march, saying participation was more important than expressions of sympathy.

According to the latest medical update, Wangchuk's health has continued to deteriorate as the fast entered its third week. His weight has dropped to 56.65 kilograms, reflecting a loss of more than nine kilograms since the hunger strike began, including 500 grams in the previous 24 hours. Doctors recorded his blood pressure at 105/61 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 97 percent. While he remains conscious and mentally alert, doctors have said he requires continuous medical monitoring.

The Delhi High Court has directed the Central and Delhi governments to monitor Wangchuk's health daily and ensure medical assistance if his condition worsens. The Centre has informed the court that it will closely monitor his health. Over recent days, several politicians, writers, actors and civil society members have visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Wangchuk, while he has continued to insist that the success of the July 20 Parliament march, rather than the duration of his fast, will determine the outcome of the movement.