Sonam Wangchuk Seeks Temporary Discharge From Safdarjung Hospital to Join Parliament March
Security personnel stand guard near the protest site where activist Sonam Wangchuk launched his hunger strike before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital.
Source: PTI • Edited By: Hemant Waje • July 20, 2026 • ⏱️ 4 min read
Activist Sonam Wangchuk has officially requested the medical superintendent of Safdarjung Hospital to let him leave the facility temporarily. Despite his ongoing fast, Wangchuk expressed a desire to participate in the "Sansad Chalo" Parliament march, asserting that he feels fine and his health parameters remain within normal limits.
Key Highlights:
- Duration of Fast: Wangchuk has been on a continuous hunger strike since June 28.
- Hospitalization: He was shifted to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital by the Delhi Police after his health parameters deteriorated.
- Communication Restrictions: Wangchuk and his wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, alleged strict restrictions on his movement, speech, and communication, noting that he has not been allowed to use his personal tablet.
- March Objective: The "Sansad Chalo" demonstration aims to demand accountability for recent failures and irregularities in the education system, specifically referencing recent paper leaks.
Demands and Conditions Sent to Parliament
In a formal letter dated July 20, shared online by his team, Wangchuk explained his motivation for wanting to join the march. His team emphasized that the activist is trying incredibly hard to stand alongside the protesters marching toward Parliament.
According to a handwritten note shared earlier in the day, Wangchuk made it clear that his hunger strike would continue well beyond the "Sansad Chalo" march. He stated the fast will only conclude if the government takes accountability for structural flaws in the education sector, or if Members of Parliament (MPs) and political party leaders provide concrete assurances that the issue will be formally raised during the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament.
If physical health limitations or external constraints prevent him from physically making it to Parliament, Wangchuk proposed an alternative: that MPs and political party leaders come to visit him directly at the hospital to discuss the grievances.
Medical Status: Updates from Safdarjung Authorities
Hospital authorities have released an official status update regarding his physical condition. While Wangchuk's primary vital signs are currently stable, specific blood parameters show deviations that require close clinical observation to prevent further acute complications.
The medical bulletin confirmed that he remains under continuous medical management and strict monitoring by a dedicated, multidisciplinary team of medical experts at the facility.
Appeals for a Peaceful Demonstration
In conjunction with his request to leave, Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, conveyed his message to the public and gathered supporters, asking everyone participating in the "Sansad Chalo" march to keep the demonstration strictly peaceful and to remain vigilant so that the protest is not hijacked or misused by external elements.
