“I Will Stay Alive Till July 20 at Any Cost”: Sonam Wangchuk Defies Health Warnings as Congress Backs NEET Agitation

By News Desk NEW DELHI, July 17, 2026

Prominent educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk firmly reiterated his resolve to continue his indefinite hunger strike on Friday, even as the protest against alleged national examination irregularities entered its 20th day. Despite severe health warnings from doctors and an intervention from the Delhi High Court, Wangchuk declared, “I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost,” mobilizing support for a massive citizen’s march to Parliament.

The protest, spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, centers on alleged widespread irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) examinations. The demonstrators are demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The movement received a significant political boost on Friday when the Indian National Congress officially extended its support, urging the activist to end his fast while promising to take up the mantle of the protest within the halls of Parliament.

The Medical Crisis and High Court Intervention

Wangchuk’s physical condition has deteriorated alarmingly. Having lost over 9 kilograms since he began his fast on June 28, doctors warn that his body has begun breaking down muscle tissue for sustenance. Prolonged starvation has now pushed his vital metrics to a critical stage where irreversible organ damage is a very real possibility. Dr. Satish Lamba, who has been closely monitoring his vitals at the protest site, confirmed his severe physical weakening, though he noted that the activist remains “mentally alert” and profoundly determined.

The critical nature of his health prompted the Delhi High Court to step in on Thursday, July 16. Hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate and social activist Rakesh Kumar Saini, a Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia directed the Central and Delhi governments to ensure daily medical monitoring of the activist.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta assured the court that necessary medical interventions would be implemented to safeguard Wangchuk’s life. The court formally recorded this assurance, mandating that authorities must step in if doctors determine that immediate medical treatment is necessary, noting that “the life of any citizen is precious.”

“Alive Till July 20”: Wangchuk’s Defiance

Despite the grim medical assessments and pleas from supporters, Wangchuk remains resolute. Addressing a crowd of demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, he acknowledged his frail physical state but emphasized his unbroken spirit.

“I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy.” — Sonam Wangchuk

His focus remains squarely on July 20—the opening day of Parliament’s Monsoon Session. The CJP has planned a massive, peaceful march to Parliament on this day to seek justice for millions of students affected by the NEET paper leaks. In a lighter vein that drew cheers from the weary crowd, Wangchuk added, “I will stay alive till July 20 at any cost. If you don’t come and July 20 is not successful, I will come back as a ghost.”

Congress Steps In: Conditions for Ending the Fast

The political landscape surrounding the protest shifted significantly on Friday as the Congress party officially intervened. Senior Congress leaders appealed directly to Wangchuk and the protesting students to end their life-threatening fasts. The principal opposition party extended its full solidarity to the CJP’s cause, assuring Wangchuk that they would aggressively press for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation during the upcoming Monsoon Session.

This political backing provides a potential off-ramp for Wangchuk. The activist indicated that he might consider ending his fast under the condition that the Opposition genuinely forces the government to address the NEET irregularities and holds the Education Ministry accountable on the floor of the House.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has also rallied behind the cause. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal visited the protest site earlier in the week, likening the momentum and public anger to the historic 2011 anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare.

Broader Support and Student Solidarity

The agitation is not limited to Wangchuk alone. Members of the CPI(ML) Liberation-affiliated All India Students’ Association (AISA)—including student leaders Neha, Manish, and Aameen—have also been on an indefinite hunger strike at a separate stage within the Jantar Mantar site.

In a recent statement, AISA reported that their members’ conditions have reached “severe stages.” Aameen is reportedly at risk of hypovolemic shock due to severe dehydration, Neha’s random blood sugar level plummeted to a dangerous 49 mg/dL, and Manish has lost more than 10% of his body weight. Furthermore, the CJP is demanding ₹1 crore in compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to the immense distress caused by the NEET examination fiascos.

The movement has also garnered high-profile attention from the Indian film industry. Filmmaker Kiran Rao took to Instagram to express deep concern, stating that it is “distressing to witness the complete silence” from those in power and urging the government to enter into a dialogue with the protesters. Bollywood star Aamir Khan also publicly urged Wangchuk to end his fast, prioritizing his health, while clarifying a long-standing rumor by stating that his famous character in the film 3 Idiots was not actually based on Wangchuk, though he deeply respects the activist’s real-world contributions.

A Looming Showdown

As July 20 approaches, the standoff at Jantar Mantar threatens to escalate. With political heavyweights like the Congress party and AAP now formally backing the students’ demands, the upcoming Parliament march is poised to serve as a major flashpoint in the ongoing battle for accountability, transparency, and reform in India’s highly competitive education system.