Politics
Sonam Wangchuk Forcibly Hospitalised After 21 Days As Protest Escalates
Will his hospitalization trigger more hunger strikes and deeper political chaos?
Will his hospitalization trigger more hunger strikes and deeper political chaos?
Climate activist ’s indefinite hunger strike has escalated into a national political crisis after 21 days of fasting over the , forcing his hospitalization amid emergency organ failure risks. The protest, initially led by the satirical , now demands Education Minister ’s resignation while exposing systemic failures in India’s exam administration and galvanizing opposition condemnation. His removal from under court orders has triggered further hunger strikes and intensified tensions between activists, the judiciary, and the government.
Delhi Police denied reports but tightened security around Jantar Mantar ahead of the parliament session beginning July 20. DCP Sachin Sharma stated the action was purely medical and court-directed, not punitive.
AAP, TMC, and Congress leaders condemned the police action as 'shamelessness at Jantar Mantar' and vowed protest continuation. AAP's Arvind Kejriwal and others criticized the move while asserting the protest will persist regardless of Wangchuk's hospitalisation.
Following Wangchuk's hospitalisation, Abhijeet Dipke launched an at Jantar Mantar demanding Prime Minister Narendra Modi's resignation. Dipke stated the protest will continue despite Wangchuk's removal, escalating the political stakes.
Safdarjung Hospital confirmed Wangchuk is conscious and stable, though weak due to prolonged fasting and mild dehydration. Preliminary assessments noted and , with doctors working to correct electrolyte imbalances.
Early on July 18 (day 21), Delhi Police removed Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar and shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital at 7:40 am citing High Court orders and expert medical advice. The action was taken due to his deteriorating health and concerns over emergency organ failure risks.
By July 17 (day 20), doctors described Wangchuk's condition as emergency with a risk of organ failure as his weight loss exceeded 8 kg. His blood pressure dropped to 104/66 mm Hg and blood sugar fell to 70 mg/dL, indicating severe physiological distress.
On July 12 (day 15), the Delhi High Court directed daily clinical monitoring of Wangchuk and ordered the government to provide any medical intervention needed to protect his life. The court emphasized that 'life of every citizen is precious' and all medical efforts must be made.
On day 11 of his hunger strike (July 8), AISA member Hrishikesh was rushed to Ram Manohar Lohia Hospital after experiencing severe chest pain and limb paralysis. Doctors reported Wangchuk had lost over 7 kg by this point, signaling early health deterioration.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk joined the CJP protest on June 28 and started an targeting Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. He demanded the minister's resignation over alleged irregularities in the NEET UG paper leak.
The began a protest at on June 20 demanding action on alleged and student suicides linked to the paper leak controversy. Activists called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over nationwide examination irregularities.