A quiet resolve: Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike. A day at Jantar Mantar

New Delhi: Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike entered its 20th day on Friday. Wangchuk continues his fast in solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination. Despite growing concerns over his deteriorating health, Wangchuk remains resolute as supporters continue to gather at the Jantar Mantar protest site.

Sonam Wangchuk has lost approximately 9-9.5 kilograms so far, accompanied by significant muscle wasting. He has become so physically weak that he requires assistance to stand and perform daily tasks. However, he remains mentally alert and determined to continue his indefinite hunger strike as a team of doctors monitors his health every morning and evening.

Politicians, teachers, celebrities, and many others came out in support of Sonam Wangchuk and visited Jantar Mantar to meet him during his indefinite hunger strike.

Wangchuk said, “I’m not in good shape, but I’m not so bad either… Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July for a peaceful march to the Parliament.”

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is helped up by Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke and others during his hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Sonam Wangchuk lost almost 9 to 9.5 kg weight during the indefinite hunger strike as part of a protest led by youth-led satirical political movement, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal speaks with social activist Sonam Wangchuk on 19th day of latter’s  hunger strike to demand resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

CJP supporters are seen fanning Sonam Wangchuk with a hand fan during the heat | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav arrives at Jantar Mantar to meet Activist Sonam Wangchuk | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Bhartiya Kisan Union Chaudhary Rakesh Tikait arrives at Jantar Mantar in support of CJP | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Sonam Wangchuk stretching his body at Jantar Mantar | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A supporter or Volunteer of Cockroach Janata Party massaging Sonam Wangchuk feet | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A team of doctor monitoring Sonam Wangchuk’s health every morning and evening | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Sonam Wangchuk takes a sip of water during his hunger strike | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Indian activist, education reformer and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk undergoes an indefinite hunger strike as part of a protest led by youth-led satirical political movement Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

AAP Convener & Delhi Former CM Arvind Kejriwal in a conversation with Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is looking at something on his tablet with his Bluetooth earphone during CJP protest | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Activist Sonam Wangchuk is listening on his headphone | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke meeting his supporters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A supporter wearing a cockroach dress at Jantar Mantar to support the protest | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A supporter of Sonam Wangchuk drew a sketch of him | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike for the nineteenth consecutive day at Jantar Mantar in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following unprecedented paper leak irregularities during the national NEET-UG 2026 medical entrance examinations | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

Samajwadi Party leader Dimple Yadav addresses the media at Jantar Mantar | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

A child sleeps inside a mosquito net during the ongoing protest at Jantar Mantar | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

People from outside Delhi have also joined the CJP protest and are staying at Jantar Mantar | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint

The first day on June 6 of the protest led by activist Sonam Wangchuk and CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke at Jantar Mantar | Photo: Suraj Singh Bisht | ThePrint