Educationist Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike for the fourth consecutive day at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Wednesday, as part of the ongoing protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). In a health update, Wangchuk said he was feeling “ok, bit tired though” and disclosed that his weight had dropped by approximately 2 kg since the fast began.
Health Parameters Show Decline
According to medical readings shared by the organisers on Wednesday afternoon, Wangchuk’s blood sugar level was recorded at 64 mg/dL, blood pressure at 110/90 mmHg, and heart rate at 77 beats per minute. The CJP earlier noted that doctors were regularly monitoring his vital parameters and that his blood pressure had been consistently falling.
In a message posted on X, Wangchuk elaborated: “Day 4 update… I’m feeling ok, bit tired though. Doctor said BP was low. I’ll increase water and salt intake. Sugar level is low at 66, but that’s because of no food for 3 days. As ketosis takes over, body starts consuming fats, etc. In prolonged fast, it may consume muscles and organs resulting in death, but I’m nowhere near that. My weight has gone down by 2 kgs… a loss of some 650 gm per day and that’s also normal.”
Wangchuk Draws Parallel to Student Deaths
Wangchuk emphasised that his personal discomfort was insignificant compared to the sacrifices of others. “My inconveniences are nothing compared to the 20+ students who gave their lives & the five youths who died in Ladakh last September. Thanks for all your support Jai Hind,” he wrote.
The protest, now in its 12th day, has drawn students, farmers, social activists, and supporters who continue to arrive at Jantar Mantar to express solidarity. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke acknowledged that the health of several participants was becoming a concern but insisted the agitation would remain peaceful. He stated that the campaign had evolved beyond a single protest or resignation demand. “We are not here just for the protest or just for one resignation. We are here to change the political discourse of India. We are here for some major reforms that we will work on going forward,” Dipke said.
Prominent Figures Join Protest
On Wednesday, social activists Yogendra Yadav and Anjali Bharadwaj, along with Trinamool Congress MP Sagrika Ghosh, also joined the demonstrators at Jantar Mantar, lending further support to the movement.
