Sonam Wangchuk hospitalised: What happens to CJP's 20 July protest rally to Parliament now? What Dipke & Gitanjali said

The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has said its planned July 20 march to Parliament will continue despite activist Sonam Wangchuk being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated during his 21-day hunger strike. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that the protest would go ahead as planned and said he would continue the indefinite hunger strike started in support of the agitation. Wangchuk's wife, Gitanjali J. Angmo confirmed she will lead the march on July 20.

"I am starting an indefinite hunger strike beginning right now," Dipke mentioned in a post on X after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital. He also sought PM Modi's resignation.

Wangchuk was moved from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after doctors advised hospitalisation following concerns over his declining health. Police said the decision was taken on medical advice and in accordance with directions of the Delhi High Court. The activist had been fasting since June 28 over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, paper leaks, and concerns related to student issues.

After Wangchuk's hospitalisation, Dipke said the movement would not be affected by the development and that the protest would continue. He urged supporters to remain firm and announced that he would carry forward the hunger strike. The CJP, along with Left student organisations AISA and SFI, has been leading the agitation at Jantar Mantar.

Angmo, meanwhile, raised concerns over his treatment at Safdarjung Hospital and sought his discharge. She alleged that the hospital had not maintained transparency in sharing medical information and requested that no oral or intravenous treatment be administered without the consent of the family and the medical team that had been monitoring his health during the hunger strike.

Angmo also claimed that Wangchuk was "absolutely fine" but alleged that the hospital had refused to provide copies of his medical reports despite repeated requests. She said the family wanted him shifted to a medical facility of their choice due to a loss of confidence in the hospital's handling of his treatment.

"Yesterday, doctors from Safdarjung had checked him and all vitals were normal. Potassium was 4.3. Now they are saying the potassium is 2.9 and it is life-threatening. But when we asked for the report, they are showing us the report but not giving it. I am having trust issues due to lack of transparency," she said, as per PTI.

"I've asked them not to administer potassium... We are going to do another test from a different lab before giving medicines. Sonam is absolutely fine and we will soon shift him to a hospital we trust," she added.

Safdarjung Hospital, however, said Wangchuk was admitted in a conscious state with stable pulse, blood pressure and oxygen saturation, though signs of dehydration were detected. The hospital said doctors had advised intravenous fluids, but he refused IV fluids, oral rehydration fluids and other medication. It added that he was being continuously monitored and counselled for treatment in the best interest of his health.

The controversy over Wangchuk's hospitalisation has drawn criticism from several Opposition leaders, including those from the Congress, Aam Aadmi Party, Samajwadi Party and Trinamool Congress. The CJP has maintained that the July 20 Parliament march will proceed, although ANI sources said the organisation is yet to seek formal permission from Delhi Police for the protest.