Sonam Wangchuk calls July 20 march 'India's second freedom movement' in message from hospital detention

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk, currently under police watch at VMMC and Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi, issued a fresh appeal on Sunday calling on citizens to make the July 20 "Chalo Sansad" march to Parliament a success, describing it as India's "second freedom movement."

The message, dated July 20 and shared through his wife Gitanjali Angmo, read: "Aazaadi ka doosra andolan, bhay mukt Bharat, anyay mukt Bharat" — freedom from injustice, such as examination paper leaks, and freedom from fear, referencing what he called his "illegal detention" at Safdarjung. He urged supporters to "please make it a big success."

Also read: Activist Sonam Wangchuk refuses IV fluids, medication; doctors urge him to accept treatment


Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar since late June, entering its 20th day when Delhi Police moved him to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning. Police cited Delhi High Court directions and doctors' advice over concerns about his deteriorating health.

The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in national examinations, including the NEET row.

Days earlier, Wangchuk had publicly rejected appeals to end his fast, saying breaking it without government accountability would send the wrong message, and instead urged supporters to turn out "in thousands" for the Parliament march on July 20, the opening day of the Monsoon session.

Also read: 'This is suspicious': Sonam Wangchuk's doctor questions Safdarjung Hospital's medical reports

A heavy security deployment marked the Jantar Mantar protest site on Saturday after activist Sonam Wangchuk, on the 21st day of his hunger strike, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital as his health deteriorated. Police said the move followed medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court.

Barricades were erected overnight and Rapid Action Force personnel deployed at the site. Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke was detained around the same time and has alleged he was assaulted before being taken into custody. Delhi Police has not issued a response to these claims.

Protesters who reportedly attempted to form a human chain around others continuing the fast were lathi-charged, according to accounts from the site. Police subsequently asked all protesters to vacate Jantar Mantar.

Angmo, in a letter to the Safdarjung Hospital medical superintendent, alleged discrepancies over his potassium levels and said his vitals had been normal until the morning of the detention, questioning why no doctor examined him before police intervened. Supporters have demanded his immediate release, access for family and lawyers, and clarity on whether he has formally been arrested.

Despite the crackdown, CJP organisers said the Chalo Sansad march would go ahead as planned.