Activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk has announced that he will continue his indefinite hunger strike until July 20, saying he wants to personally lead the Cockroach Janta Party's (CJP) planned march to Parliament. Addressing supporters at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Friday, Wangchuk jokingly remarked that if the protest march failed to achieve its objective, he would "return as a ghost."

Friday marked the 20th day of Wangchuk's fast, while the broader CJP protest entered its 28th day. Despite growing concern over his health and repeated appeals from supporters, public figures and civil society members to end the fast, Wangchuk said he remains determined to continue.

Speaking to the gathering, he said he would do everything possible to stay healthy enough to participate in the July 20 march, which coincides with the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session. He urged people to focus less on his fasting and more on ensuring a large, peaceful turnout for the demonstration.

According to Wangchuk, the movement's strength will not be measured by the number of days he has gone without food but by the public's willingness to stand together and present their concerns before Parliament.

The activist has been observing an indefinite fast while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging serious irregularities in the country's education system. He has repeatedly stated that he also wants the Centre to open a dialogue with the protesters instead of ignoring their concerns.

Earlier this week, Wangchuk released a video urging people not to persuade him to end his fast. Instead, he appealed to citizens to participate in the July 20 Parliament march, describing it as the most meaningful way to support the campaign.

Medical updates indicate that Wangchuk's health continues to deteriorate. Doctors reported that he has lost over nine kilograms since beginning the fast, with his weight now standing at 56.65 kg. While his blood pressure, blood sugar and oxygen levels remain under observation, medical teams have said he requires continuous monitoring as the fast enters its third week.

His condition has also drawn the attention of the Delhi High Court, which has directed both the Centre and the Delhi government to monitor his health on a daily basis and ensure timely medical intervention if required. The Centre has informed the court that it is keeping a close watch on his condition.

The hunger strike has significantly changed the trajectory of the CJP movement. Initially viewed as a satirical student-led campaign, the protest gained national attention after Wangchuk joined and began his indefinite fast. The movement itself was launched following remarks by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant referring to unemployed youth as "cockroaches" and "parasites," prompting activist Abhijeet Dipke to establish the Cockroach Janta Party as a symbolic protest platform.

Since Wangchuk began fasting, the agitation has attracted wider political and public attention. Opposition leaders, writers, actors and social activists have visited Jantar Mantar to express solidarity, while media coverage has increasingly focused on his health and the demands of the protest.

Even so, Wangchuk has maintained that public sympathy alone will not bring change. He believes the real measure of the movement's success will be the turnout and impact of the July 20 Parliament march, which he says represents the next crucial stage of the campaign.