Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on a hunger strike for 19 days against alleged irregularities in NEET and other exams, at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Thursday, July 16, 2026.
Sonam Wangchuk Health Live Updates: Educationist and environmental activist Sonam WangchukThe hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak entered its 20th day on Friday, with doctors warning that his health has reached a critical level and could deteriorate further if the fast continues.
The warning came as opposition leaders, including former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the youth-led protests.
Wangchuk has refused to end his fast
Despite growing concerns about his health, Wangchuk remained adamant on continuing the protest.
He said that ending the fast without any response from the government would send a wrong message. Instead, he urged supporters to strengthen the Cockroach Janata Party’s proposed Parliament march on July 20.
Wangchuk is leading the movement at Jantar Mantar along with several students. Student organizations including Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), All India Students Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI) are also participating in the protests.
wangchuk health update
According to the latest medical bulletin issued by Dr Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since he started his fast on June 28 and now weighs 56.9 kilograms, news agency PTI reported.
He said, “After glucose stores are depleted, the body consumes fat. After that, muscle begins to be consumed. His ketone level had reached 3-plus and after improving hydration, it has decreased to 2-plus. His uric acid is high, which indicates that muscle is being consumed.”
Warning about the next stage of deterioration, the doctor said, “The next stage can be worrying. Organs can be affected. We are keeping him under 24×7 observation and hope it does not reach that stage.”
Appealing for intervention, he said, “I urge the government to intervene as soon as possible because she is a priceless gem and we do not want to lose her. If the organs are affected, it could be really worrying for us.”
Opposition leaders gave support
Kejriwal joined the protesters on Thursday and reiterated his demand for Pradhan’s resignation. He also proposed Wangchuk’s name for the post of Union Education Minister.
Addressing the gathering, the AAP chief urged the Center to respond to the demands of the protesters.
Kejriwal said, “Listen to the youth, the movement and Sonam Wangchuk, otherwise after three years you (the central government) will face the same fate as 2014.”
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who is one of the prominent faces of the farmers’ movement of 2020-21, also visited the protest site and extended support to the movement.
Congress supported the demand
The Congress has also supported the demand for Pradhan’s resignation, while appealing to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike due to his deteriorating health.
Meanwhile, Congress has launched its own campaign ‘Chhatra Ki Goonj’ led by Rahul Gandhi against alleged exam irregularities across the country.
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said in a post on
He said, “We share the pain and outrage that Wangchuk ji feels, especially because of the lack of accountability within the Modi government – ​​especially for the collapse of the examination system.”
Venugopal appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying, “Given his health condition, we appeal to Wangchuk to end his fast. His concerns are our concerns and those of other opposition parties too. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the resignation of the Education Minister.”
Delhi High Court ordered daily monitoring
Amid concerns over Wangchuk’s health, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to medically monitor his condition every day.
A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia said that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts should be made by government authorities to save it.”
The court further directed that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors should be provided without delay.
The directions came while disposing of a PIL filed over concerns about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during his prolonged fast.
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The warning came as opposition leaders, including former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity with Wangchuk and the youth-led protests.
Wangchuk has refused to end his fast
Despite growing concerns about his health, Wangchuk remained adamant on continuing the protest.
He said that ending the fast without any response from the government would send a wrong message. Instead, he urged supporters to strengthen the Cockroach Janata Party’s proposed Parliament march on July 20.
Wangchuk is leading the movement at Jantar Mantar along with several students. Student organizations including Krantikari Yuva Sangathan (KYS), All India Students Association (AISA) and Students Federation of India (SFI) are also participating in the protests.
wangchuk health update
According to the latest medical bulletin issued by Dr Satish Lamba, Wangchuk has lost more than nine kilograms since he started his fast on June 28 and now weighs 56.9 kilograms, news agency PTI reported.
He said, “After glucose stores are depleted, the body consumes fat. After that, muscle begins to be consumed. His ketone level had reached 3-plus and after improving hydration, it has decreased to 2-plus. His uric acid is high, which indicates that muscle is being consumed.”
Warning about the next stage of deterioration, the doctor said, “The next stage can be worrying. Organs can be affected. We are keeping him under 24×7 observation and hope it does not reach that stage.”
Appealing for intervention, he said, “I urge the government to intervene as soon as possible because she is a priceless gem and we do not want to lose her. If the organs are affected, it could be really worrying for us.”
Opposition leaders gave support
Kejriwal joined the protesters on Thursday and reiterated his demand for Pradhan’s resignation. He also proposed Wangchuk’s name for the post of Union Education Minister.
Addressing the gathering, the AAP chief urged the Center to respond to the demands of the protesters.
Kejriwal said, “Listen to the youth, the movement and Sonam Wangchuk, otherwise after three years you (the central government) will face the same fate as 2014.”
Farmer leader Rakesh Tikait, who is one of the prominent faces of the farmers’ movement of 2020-21, also visited the protest site and extended support to the movement.
Congress supported the demand
The Congress has also supported the demand for Pradhan’s resignation, while appealing to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike due to his deteriorating health.
Meanwhile, Congress has launched its own campaign ‘Chhatra Ki Goonj’ led by Rahul Gandhi against alleged exam irregularities across the country.
Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal said in a post on
He said, “We share the pain and outrage that Wangchuk ji feels, especially because of the lack of accountability within the Modi government – ​​especially for the collapse of the examination system.”
Venugopal appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast, saying, “Given his health condition, we appeal to Wangchuk to end his fast. His concerns are our concerns and those of other opposition parties too. Rest assured, we will continue to confront the Modi government and demand the resignation of the Education Minister.”
Delhi High Court ordered daily monitoring
Amid concerns over Wangchuk’s health, the Delhi High Court directed authorities to medically monitor his condition every day.
A division bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia said that “the life of every citizen is precious and all efforts should be made by government authorities to save it.”
The court further directed that any medical intervention recommended by government doctors should be provided without delay.
The directions came while disposing of a PIL filed over concerns about Wangchuk’s deteriorating health during his prolonged fast.
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July 17, 2026, 07:43:26 IST
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike live: Raj Thackeray urges PM Modi to intervene
Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike LIVE: MNS chief Raj Thackeray has extended support to Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike, expressed concern over the activist’s deteriorating health and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take steps to address the NEET exam controversy.
“It is extremely sad to say, but it appears that the government has decided to sacrifice Sonam Wangchuk, and by extension, there is plenty of room for protest in this country. After all, if this government can remain a mute spectator while Lord Ram’s treasury is being looted, what effect can citizen protest possibly have?” Thackeray said.
Supporting the protesters’ demand for accountability, he said, “There is nothing unreasonable in this demand,” alleging that exam irregularities have become a recurring feature during the BJP’s tenure.
In a message addressed to the Prime Minister, Thackeray said the importance of a long tenure in office lies in taking decisive action on important issues. “At present, there is a lot of celebration over the fact that you have held the post of Prime Minister for a longer period than Pandit Nehru. It is just a number. It gets its true meaning only when you take a strong stand on such issues and take decisive action. Only then will the next generation remember you. Otherwise, what is the use of a figure who offers nothing for the country?” He has written.
