'Will Come Back As Ghost': Sonam Wangchuk Vows To Join July 20 Parliament March As Hunger Strike Enters Day 20

Last Updated:July 17, 2026, 13:33 IST

The proposed Parliament march is scheduled for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and is expected to be the movement’s biggest mobilisation so far.

Activist and education reform advocate Sonam Wangchuk on Friday reaffirmed that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike and take part in the proposed “Sansad Chalo" march to Parliament on July 20, even as concerns mount over his deteriorating health.

As his fast entered its 20th day, Wangchuk addressed supporters at the protest site, striking a defiant yet light-hearted note. Stressing that he remained committed to the movement, he said he would continue his fast until the planned march.

“I will stay alive by any means until July 20 so that I can march to Parliament with all of you. And if our march doesn’t succeed on July 20, then I’ll come back as a ghost," Wangchuk said, amid cheers from supporters.

The remarks were later shared by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), one of the key groups backing the agitation over alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Sharing a video of Wangchuk’s speech on social media, the organisation said the activist had “not lost his sense of humour even during such a difficult phase" and appealed to people to join the July 20 march. In another post, the group declared, “India is awakening."

The proposed Parliament march is scheduled for July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, and is expected to be the movement’s biggest mobilisation so far. Addressing supporters, Wangchuk urged them to focus on ensuring a peaceful and massive turnout.

Also Read: Aamir Khan Breaks Silence On Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike, Says 3 Idiots Character Wasn’t Based On Him

“I am weak from the outside but very strong inside. I am sure all of you are strong from the inside, and outside too. We need this energy for July 20, when we will take out a peaceful march to Parliament. We will go together and present our plea in the temple of democracy," he said.

‘Rather Than Asking Me To Break Fast, Join Me On July 20’

Despite repeated appeals from supporters and public figures asking him to end his fast, Wangchuk reiterated that the movement required participation rather than sympathy.

Earlier this week, he had urged people to stop requesting him to break his fast and instead join the planned march.

“Rather than asking me to break my fast, please join me on 20th July… peaceful march to the Parliament," he had said.

Wangchuk has maintained that ending the hunger strike without any response from the Centre would undermine the campaign. He has repeatedly sought a dialogue with the Centre while continuing to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET irregularities.

Wangchuk’s Health Deteriorates

Meanwhile, the activist’s health has continued to deteriorate as the fast entered its third week. According to a medical bulletin issued on Thursday, Wangchuk’s weight has dropped to 56.65 kg, a decline of 500 grams over the previous 24 hours and more than 9 kg since he began fasting.

Also Read: Centre’s First Response To Sonam Wangchuk’s Hunger Strike: ‘Will Provide Medical Care On Doctors’ Advice’

Doctors recorded his blood pressure at 105/61 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 97%. While they said he remains conscious and mentally alert, they added that he requires continuous medical monitoring.

Protest Against NEET Irregularities

The agitation, which began over allegations of malpractice in the NEET examination and demands for greater accountability in the education system, has gathered momentum over the past several weeks.

The CJP has been protesting at Jantar Mantar for nearly a month, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan. Wangchuk joined the protest on June 28 and has remained on an indefinite fast since then, bringing greater national attention to the campaign.

With the July 20 Parliament march just days away, Wangchuk has remained firm that he will continue his fast until then, describing the demonstration as a wider call for accountability and reforms in India’s education system.

About the Author

Prisha Vibhavari

Prisha is the Chief Sub-Editor at News18.com, with more than 10 years of experience in national and international news. She specialises in editorial leadership, sharp news judgment, and high-impact st...Read More

News india 'Will Come Back As Ghost': Sonam Wangchuk Vows To Join July 20 Parliament March As Hunger Strike Enters Day 20

Read More