As Sonam Wangchuk hangs on to hunger strike, weight loss approaches 9 kg

Activist Sonam Wangchuk’s fast demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation has entered its eighteenth day. Mr. Wangchuk’s health has drawn widespread concern among liberal, progressive and political Opposition voices, many of whom have urged him to end his fast. Mr. Wangchuk is close to emaciation, according to medical reports published by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) , the movement for which he is fasting.

Over the last two weeks, Mr. Wangchuk has gone from two medical examinations to near round-the-clock supervision as his medical condition worsens. “Dr Satish Lamba, General Physician, Medical Superintendent, The Clinics, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, and former Secretary of the Delhi Medical Association (DMA), said that Sonam Wangchuk remains very weak and is under 24-hour medical vigilance due to his prolonged fast,” the CJP said in a statement on Wednesday (July 15, 2026) afternoon.