Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday, 20 July wrote to the Director of Safdarjung Hospital in New Delhi, requesting permission to leave the facility — even temporarily — to participate in the 'Sansad Chalo March' towards Parliament. Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike, was admitted to the hospital after the Delhi High Court authorised authorities to intervene if his health deteriorated during the fast.

Wangchuk's Letter to the Hospital

In his written request, Wangchuk stated: 'This is to state that 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 — Sansad Chalo — this morning.' The letter underlines his determination to remain part of the protest despite his hospitalisation.

Why the Protest Was Called

The 'Chalo Sansad' march was organised to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak case and a series of other examination-related irregularities — including those linked to the 12th CBSE Board — that have triggered nationwide concern over the integrity of competitive examinations. Thousands of supporters, including students and young protesters carrying flags and raising slogans, began converging on Jantar Mantar early Monday morning.

Clashes at Jantar Mantar

The situation turned tense as clashes broke out between Delhi Police and demonstrators attempting to cross security barricades. Police deployed in large numbers, with multiple layers of barricading erected across the New Delhi district. A riot control vehicle entered the protest site early in the morning, and a lathi charge was also reported during confrontations. Authorities additionally deployed signal jammers in and around the venue, with several protesters claiming mobile phone connectivity was disrupted near the site.

Background: Wangchuk's Hunger Strike and Hospitalisation

Wangchuk had been observing an indefinite fast at a protest site before being shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following the Delhi High Court's directive permitting authorities to intervene on health grounds. His hospitalisation drew significant public attention and galvanised supporters, many of whom joined Monday's march as a show of solidarity. This is not the first time Wangchuk has used hunger strikes to press for political demands — he has previously fasted to highlight the cause of Ladakh's statehood and constitutional safeguards.

What Happens Next

As of Monday morning, it remained unclear whether the hospital authorities would grant Wangchuk's request to leave. The protest's outcome — and any potential escalation — is likely to depend on whether demonstrators manage to advance towards Parliament and how authorities respond in the hours ahead.