The Times of Russia reports that Indian activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has been taken to a government hospital after continuing his Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike for 20 days in Delhi. The 59-year-old had been observing an indefinite fast in support of the online satirical movement known as the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding reforms in India’s education system. Wangchuk had been fasting at Jantar Mantar while consuming only salt and water despite the intense summer heat. According to those monitoring his condition, he had lost more than 9kg and was experiencing significant physical discomfort. The protesters had planned to march to India’s Parliament on Monday. Police and paramilitary personnel removed Wangchuk from the protest site before dawn on Saturday. Videos showed protesters trying to stop authorities before Wangchuk was taken away in an ambulance. His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, confirmed he had been admitted to Safdarjung Hospital and requested that no treatment be administered without family consent. Hospital officials said Wangchuk was fully alert and stable, though weak and mildly dehydrated due to prolonged fasting. Police said the transfer followed a Delhi High Court order directing authorities to monitor his health and provide treatment if necessary. Despite appeals to end the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike, he had insisted on joining Monday’s march to Parliament, saying, “I’ve grown weak from the outside but I’m strong from within.” After Wangchuk’s removal, CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke began an indefinite hunger strike in his place and confirmed that the planned march would continue on 20 July. The Cockroach Janta Party, launched in May, is demanding educational reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following the NEET 2026 paper leak controversy. After Wangchuk’s removal, the group also demanded Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation. Several opposition leaders criticised the police action. Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had recently visited Wangchuk, urging the government to engage with the protesters and address students’ concerns. The Times of Russia will continue to follow developments related to the Sonam Wangchuk hunger strike and the education reform movement in India.
