GUWAHATI: Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday, July 17, announced that he would continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20 so that he could lead the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) proposed "Sansad Chalo" march to Parliament, despite his deteriorating health.
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Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, where he has been fasting for 20 days, Wangchuk said he was determined to participate in the march and would not end his protest before then.
"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," he told protesters.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the education system.
The CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar has entered its 28th day, with the July 20 Parliament march expected to be the movement's next major mobilisation.
Speaking to supporters, Wangchuk acknowledged that his physical condition had weakened but said his determination remained strong.
"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.
Wangchuk has maintained that ending the hunger strike without any response from the Central government would send the wrong message. He has repeatedly called for dialogue with the Centre while continuing to demand Pradhan's resignation.
Meanwhile, his health continues to deteriorate as the fast enters its third week.
According to the latest medical update issued on Thursday, Wangchuk's weight has dropped to 56.65 kg, reflecting a loss of 500 grams in the last 24 hours and more than 9 kg since he began the fast.
Doctors recorded his blood pressure at 105/61 mmHg, blood sugar at 80 mg/dL and oxygen saturation at 97%. While he remains conscious and mentally alert, medical professionals have advised that he requires continuous monitoring.