14 July,2026 11:48 AM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
The activist has lost 8.5 kg of body weight during his ongoing hunger strike. Pic/ X
Climate activist from Ladakh Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike against the alleged NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak and the demand for Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation has entered its 17th day on Tuesday.
The activist has lost 8.5 kg of body weight during his ongoing hunger strike, with his latest health assessment recording a blood pressure reading of 109/70, according to updates shared by supporters.
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founding president Abhijeet Dipke, in a post on X, expressed concern over Wangchuk's deteriorating health, stating that the activist has started losing muscle mass and is experiencing severe pain during the ongoing fast.
Sharing an update, Dipke said, "Day 17 of Sonam Sir's hunger strike. Sonam Wangchuk has started losing muscle mass and is in immense pain. Like everyone else, I begged him to end his fast."
According to Dipke, Wangchuk responded by urging the government to initiate a dialogue instead of asking him to call off the protest. "Don't ask me to end my fast. Ask the government why they won't even have a dialogue," Wangchuk was quoted as saying.
The protest has been centred around demands for accountability over the alleged NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak and calls for action against those responsible. Supporters have also urged the government to engage in discussions with the protesters.
Wangchuk, known for his environmental advocacy and activism on issues concerning Ladakh, has continued his hunger strike despite concerns over his health condition. Supporters have been closely monitoring his condition as the fast enters its third week.
Dipke said he had a conversation with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who "expressed deep concern" over Wangchuk's health and appealed to the activist to call off his hunger strike, stating that his well-being was of "utmost importance."
"Had a call with Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray, who expressed deep concern over Sonam Sir's rapidly deteriorating health. He earnestly appealed to Sonam Sir to end his hunger strike, saying that his well-being is of utmost importance," Dipke posted on X.
Thanking Thackeray for his support, Dipke added that the Shiv Sena leader had extended solidarity to CJP and their upcoming "March to Parliament" scheduled for July 20.
Extending support to the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) protest at Jantar Mantar, Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the issue surrounding the alleged NEET (UG) 2026 paper leak goes beyond political differences and concerns the future of lakhs of students.
In a post on X, Thackeray said the protest represents a larger fight for students facing uncertainty due to what he described as an "irresponsible government" and an "incapable minister."
"This is beyond politics, something we must all support, while all of us voice the lakhs of students who face a future that is uncertain because of an irresponsible government, and an incapable minister," Thackeray posted.
Meanwhile, Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday extended his support to the ongoing CJP protest at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi, calling it a "genuine movement for students" and urging all political parties to come together in support of the protesters.
Addressing a press conference, Thackeray said he would personally join the protest in the national capital if required and appealed to all political parties, including the Congress and even the BJP, to participate in the July 20 demonstration.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) chief said the focus of the ruling party, was on "breaking political parties" instead of addressing issues affecting the country's future.
"The ruling party's main focus is breaking parties, but they are not looking at the country's future. I have called this press conference to speak about the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar," Thackeray said.
He also praised activist Sonam Wangchuk for supporting students and their future, claiming that the activist had been on a hunger strike for 16 days.
"We need people like Sonam Wangchuk in this country who work for the welfare of the nation," Thackeray said.
