Sonam Wangchuk's wife reveals what it will take for him to end hunger strike

Ahead of the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed 'Chalo Sansad' march on July 20, activist Sonam Wangchuk has offered to end his nearly three-week-long hunger strike if political leaders assure him that the issue of accountability in the education sector will be raised in Parliament.

His offer came through his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, who on Sunday said Wangchuk would call off his indefinite fast if leaders from political parties met him at Safdarjung Hospital and committed to raising the issue during the Monsoon Session of Parliament, which begins on Monday.

Addressing protesters at Jantar Mantar, where the CJP has been campaigning over the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister, Angmo said, "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."

The announcement comes a day before the CJP's planned march to Parliament, which the outfit says is aimed at seeking a judicial probe into alleged examination irregularities and broader reforms in India's education system.

CROWDS SWELL AT JANTAR MANTAR

The 'Chalo Sansad' march is scheduled to begin at around 9 am on Monday from Jantar Mantar, where crowds gathered in large numbers on Sunday ahead of the mobilisation.

The march coincides with the first day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament and marks the culmination of the group's month-long agitation over alleged NEET irregularities and education reforms.

The CJP has launched a missed-call campaign for supporters to register for the march. Party spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka claimed that over 1.3 lakh people have already signed up through the initiative.

The mobilisation also reflected on the ground, with Jantar Mantar turning into a packed protest site on Sunday as supporters from different parts of the country arrived in Delhi.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das claimed that nearly 20,000 people were "at and around Jantar Mantar" even before the scheduled march.

In a post on X, Das wrote, "20,000 people are at and around Jantar Mantar. And it's not even July 20 yet. Dharmendra Pradhan – Your day of reckoning is here."

The party also shared photographs and videos from the protest site, claiming supporters from across the country had begun arriving ahead of Monday's march.

CJP URGES NIGHT VIGIL, WARY OF POLICE ACTION

As preparations for the march gathered pace, CJP founder Abhishek Dipke appealed to supporters to remain at Jantar Mantar through the night, saying their presence was crucial to ensure that the march to Parliament remained peaceful.

"Our protest is going on. Please come here in large numbers. Stay here for the night. If you don't come, they will try to end the protest," Dipke said in a video message.

Appealing for restraint, he said, "Our protest and march will be peaceful. I request everyone to follow the rules and guidelines."

Dipke also reiterated that Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike was continuing from Safdarjung Hospital despite his removal from Jantar Mantar.

"As you saw, they took away Sonam sir forcefully, but his hunger strike is continuing in the hospital," he said.

The CJP also expressed apprehension over possible police action ahead of the march. In posts on X, the outfit urged supporters to reach Jantar Mantar, claimed tear-gas equipment had been brought to the area and alleged that attempts could be made to provoke disturbances.

The group appealed to protesters not to respond to any provocation and ensure that the march remained peaceful.

'NO PERMISSION FOR MARCH'

Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Sunday said no permission had been sought or granted for the CJP's proposed march to Parliament and stepped up security across the national capital ahead of the Monsoon Session.

In a statement, the police said they had received reports about the proposed march but clarified that no approval had been given for any protest march or procession.

The force said prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which replaced Section 144 of the CrPC, are currently in force in the New Delhi district.

Under the restrictions, protest marches, processions, demonstrations and gatherings of five or more people are prohibited, except at the designated protest site of Jantar Mantar with prior permission.

"Any person violating these prohibitory orders shall be liable for prosecution under Section 223 of the BNS and other applicable provisions of law," Delhi Police said.

SECURITY BEEFED UP AHEAD OF MARCH

According to sources, Delhi Police has prepared a detailed security plan ahead of the proposed march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament.

Police will remain on high alert from 4 am, with over 5,000 Delhi Police and paramilitary personnel expected to be deployed. New Delhi has been divided into 15 zones, with senior officers assigned supervision responsibilities.

Sources said more than 25 companies of Central Armed Police Forces will be deployed, while police vehicles, water cannons and other equipment will be stationed at key locations.

Several high-security areas, including Vijay Chowk, Parliament Street, Rashtrapati Bhavan, India Gate, the Prime Minister's residence, Home Minister's residence and adjoining areas, will remain under strict watch, with authorities not allowing unauthorised gatherings or movement.

Security will also be tightened at metro stations in New Delhi, with officials keeping a close watch on incoming crowds. Roads leading to the New Delhi district will have increased deployment, while nearby hospitals have also been kept on alert, sources added.

'ILLEGAL DETENTION', SAYS WANGCHUK

Wangchuk, the face of the movement that began as a satirical protest against the system, has maintained that his indefinite hunger strike is continuing from Safdarjung Hospital, where he was shifted after being removed from Jantar Mantar on July 18.

In his first message to supporters after being taken to the hospital, Wangchuk described his hospitalisation as an "illegal detention" and linked the campaign to the larger idea of a "fear-free" India.

Urging people to participate in the July 20 Parliament march, Wangchuk described the CJP's campaign as "India's 2nd Freedom Movement."

He also appealed to schools, colleges and universities to mark the march as a day of "experiential education" under the National Education Policy, saying students would witness a "real lesson in political science and democracy."

His wife also conveyed his message to supporters, urging them to maintain peace and discipline during the mobilisation.

"Sonam has requested all of us to take tomorrow's march peacefully and ensure that this protest is not misused," Angmo said.

WANGCHUK'S HEALTH UPDATE

While preparations for the July 20 march continued, Wangchuk's health remained a key focus among supporters gathered at Jantar Mantar.

Safdarjung Hospital on Sunday said Wangchuk was receiving the required medical intervention and was being closely monitored by a team of experts.

In a health bulletin, the hospital said his vital parameters were stable, but his blood parameters remained "marginally altered". It added that considering the physiological stress and systemic impact of prolonged fasting, he required continuous medical care under the supervision of a multidisciplinary team.

Earlier on Saturday, the hospital said Wangchuk had refused intravenous fluids, oral rehydration solution and medication despite repeated counselling by the treating team and an independent AIIMS expert.

Meanwhile, Wangchuk's family withheld consent for the recommended medical intervention. His wife sought his discharge from Safdarjung Hospital to shift him to a medical facility of the family's choice, citing a "lack of transparency" and loss of confidence in the treatment being provided.