New Delhi: Educator and climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's health has deteriorated further as his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar entered its 15th day on Sunday, with doctors reporting a further drop in his blood pressure and a total weight loss of 7.8 kg since the fast began.

According to a health update shared by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Wangchuk's blood pressure fell to 104/66 mm Hg, while he has lost 7.8 kg since joining the indefinite fast on June 28.

The CJP's protest over alleged examination irregularities entered its 23rd day on Sunday. The organisation has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Rs 1 crore compensation for the families of students who allegedly died by suicide due to examination-related irregularities. It has also announced a peaceful march to Parliament on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session.

Prakash Raj, Kerala leaders extend support

On Saturday, actor Prakash Raj visited the protest site and expressed solidarity with the demonstrators. Former Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and Leader of Opposition in the Tripura Assembly Jitendra Chaudhury also extended their support. They also announced that they would participate in the proposed march to Parliament.

On Sunday, the CJP said former Kerala ministers K K Shylaja, K N Balagopal and P Rajeev were scheduled to visit the protest site and interact with demonstrators. Samajwadi Party MP Pushpendra Saroj was also expected to address the gathering.

The day’s progamme with conclude with a public lecture by the economist Jayati Ghosh on ‘The Economics of Unemployment’, focusing on the employment crisis affecting young people.

'Don't look for heroes, be one yourself': Wangchuk

Despite his worsening health, Wangchuk reiterated his commitment to the agitation and appealed to citizens to actively participate in the movement.

In a video message posted on X, Wangchuk urged people not to compare him with Mahatma Gandhi or portray him as a hero.

"Please don't look for a hero in someone else. Be the hero of your own life. Fulfil your responsibilities as a citizen," he said, adding that he was "just an ordinary citizen" trying to discharge his civic responsibilities.

He also appealed to people to join the July 20 march to Parliament and urge Members of Parliament to address issues related to alleged examination irregularities.

Earlier, Wangchuk had said that while he was feeling less energetic as the fast progressed, he remained determined to continue. He also maintained that he was participating in the protest voluntarily and that any attempt to remove him from the site would violate his constitutional right to protest peacfully.

Meanwhile, the All India Students' Association (AISA), which is holding a parallel indefinite hunger strike at the protest site, said the health of its hunger strikers- Neha, Aameen, Deepak and Manish- had worsened. The organisation said they were experiencing falling blood glucose levels and continued weight loss.

The CJP launched its protest on June 20, with Wangchuk joining the agitation on June 28 and remaining on an indefinite hunger strike since then.


(With PTI inputs)