‘Wangchuk not alone’: At least 21 continue indefinite hunger strike
Protests continue in Jantar Mantar as 21 individuals maintain an indefinite hunger strike following the hospitalization of activist Sonam Wangchuk. The protesters are demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister and have vowed to continue their action despite health risks.
Why it matters
The ongoing protest reflects significant civil unrest and public dissatisfaction with current government leadership.
Even as activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to the hospital on Saturday morning (July 18, 2026) as he entered the 21st day of his hunger strike at a protest in Jantar Mantar, called by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), at least 21 protesters, from across the country, continued their hunger strike despite deteriorating health conditions, asserting that Mr. Wangchuk’s removal from the site has only strengthened their resolve to continue until Dharmendra Pradhan resigns as the Union Education Minister.
Crowds continued to swell on the 28 th day of the protest, and volunteers at a medical counter handed out Strepsils and Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to protesters. As scores of people walked in and out of the site, those on hunger strike stayed in their makeshift tents lined up metres away from the stage at one side.
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