Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday pleaded with the authorities at Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital to allow him to leave the facility, even if only temporarily, so that he could participate in the Cockroach Janta Party’s (CJP) ‘Sansad Chalo’ march to Parliament. Notably, Wangchuk (59), had been shifted to the hospital by Delhi Police on Saturday, on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. 

Police had cited concerns over his deteriorating health while moving him to the hospital from his protest site at Jantar Mantar. However, the activist maintained that he was in good health and was in a condition to join the demonstration.

“My health parameters are normal”: Wangchuk

In a handwritten letter addressed to the Hospital’s Superintendent, Wangchuk mentioned that his condition had improved and sought permission to participate in the march. 

He wrote, “I am feeling very fine today and my health parameters are also showing as quite normal. Hence, I request you to kindly allow me to leave the hospital, even if temporarily, so that I can join the march to the Parliament.”

He termed the request ‘urgent,’ and concluded the note by expressing gratitude and hoping that the hospital authorities would give the nod to his request for leaving the hospital for protest. Later, Wangchuk’s team shared the letter on his official ‘X’ account, saying the activist was persevering in efforts to stand alongside demonstrators marching towards the Parliament. 

Family questions restrictions imposed on Wangchuk

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, also questioned why he continued to face restrictions despite being declared medically stable. 

She too wrote a post on ‘X,’ mentioning that Wangchuk was eager to meet the protestors and had requested permission to leave the hospital. She added that if he was not under official detention and his health was satisfactory, there was little justification for preventing him from participating in the march. 

Security beefed up across Delhi

Meanwhile, Delhi Police reiterated that the CJP’s proposed Parliament march had not been authorised, citing security concerns around Parliament on the opening day of the Monsoon session. Authorities imposed restrictions in parts of the national capital to maintain law and order.

As CJP supporters attempted to move beyond barricades near Jantar Mantar, police used tear gas and batons to disperse sections of the crowd. Security was also beefed up around Parliament, and several entry gates were closed as a precaution. 

Wangchuk to continue hunger strike

Earlier in the day, Wangchuk issued another handwritten statement emphasising that his indefinite hunger strike would continue even after the ‘Sansad Chalo’ march. He said he would end his fast only if the government accepted responsibility for alleged failures in the education system, including competitive exam paper leaks, or if Members of Parliament (MPs) and political party leaders assured him that the issue would be taken up during the ongoing Monsoon session.