Activist Sonam Wangchuk will call off his indefinite hunger strike if political leaders meet him at the Safdarjung Hospital and assure him that the issue of education accountability will be raised during the Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning Monday (July 19, 2026), his wife Gitanjali Angmo said on Sunday (July 19, 2026).
Jantar Mantar protest LIVE updates – July 19, 2026
Addressing protesters at the Jantar Mantar, where the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been spearheading a movement against the alleged NEET paper leak, seeking education reforms, Ms. Angmo said Mr. Wangchuk has conveyed that he would end his fast provided there is a commitment from political parties to take up the issue in Parliament.
“If political leaders meet Sonam at the hospital and assure him that they will raise the issue of education accountability during the Monsoon Session, he will end his hunger strike tomorrow,” Ms. Angmo said.
She also conveyed Mr. Wangchuk’s appeal to the supporters of the movement ahead of the CJP’s proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on Monday (July 19, 2026), urging them to maintain peace and discipline.
“Sonam has requested all of us to take out tomorrow’s march peacefully and ensure that the protest is not misused,” Ms. Angmo said.
On concerns over Mr. Wangchuk’s health, she said the activist is stable. “Sonam’s health is perfectly fine. I tried my best in the High Court to have him shifted to a private hospital, but I could not succeed,” she said.
On Saturday (July 18, 2026), Delhi Police forcefully admitted Mr. Wangchuk to the Safdarjung Hospital after three weeks of fasting at the CJP protest site at Jantar Mantar.
Ms. Angmo and the CJP have said that Mr. Wangchuk is continuing his fast at the hospital, refusing to receive any drip.
Wangchuk stable, being given required medical intervention: Safdarjung Hospital
The activist was stable, but needed round-the-clock medical care and close monitoring due to the physiological stress and systemic effects of his prolonged hunger strike, Safdarjung Hospital authorities said.
A health bulletin issued by VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital said Mr. Wangchuk’s vital parameters were stable and his blood parameters had shown marginal improvement. A multidisciplinary team of experts from Safdarjung Hospital and Delhi AIIMS is supervising his treatment, it said.
“Sonam Wangchuk is receiving the required medical care at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital. His vital parameters are stable. While his blood parameters have shown minor improvement, it requires close monitoring.” “Accordingly, all necessary medical care is being provided, and his clinical condition is being closely monitored,” a health bulletin issued by Safdarjung Hospital at 7 p.m. said.
Despite days of fasting, Mr. Wangchuk remains alert, Charu Bamba, Medical Superintendent, VMMC and Safdarjung Superspeciality Hospital, told reporters in the morning. “As you know, he has been admitted with us since yesterday morning. Like yesterday, he is fully alert, conscious and oriented. His vital parameters, including blood pressure, pulse rate and oxygen saturation, are all normal,” she said.
Ms. Lamba, however, added that some of his blood (laboratory) parameters are slightly abnormal. “They are just below or above the normal range, and we are carrying out further investigations. Our team is providing him with continuous treatment,” she said.
“Since he is weak and is still on a fast, he requires constant monitoring and further evaluation,” she added.
The CJP and Mr. Wangchuk have been demanding accountability over the alleged NEET paper leak, action against those responsible, and broader reforms in the education system.
Monday’s proposed march to Parliament coincides with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, which will continue till August 13.
Over the past few weeks, the agitation has received support from several opposition leaders and student organisations, while the Delhi High Court has also been monitoring Wangchuk’s medical condition through periodic status reports.
Published – July 19, 2026 10:45 pm IST
