Prominent Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 17th day of his hunger strike in New Delhi, with supporters and opposition leaders expressing growing concern over his deteriorating health as he continues to demand accountability over exam paper leaks.
Wangchuk has been fasting at Jantar Mantar since June 28 in solidarity with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), whose founder Abhijeet Dipke is leading a protest calling for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to resign following question paper leaks that disrupted examinations affecting millions of students.
Medical updates released by the protest organizers said Wangchuk has lost more than 8kg and remains physically weak, while maintaining his determination to continue the fast.
Supporters said Wangchuk's condition has worsened steadily, with doctors expressing concern over his ability to continue the indefinite fast.
Several opposition leaders have appealed to him to end the protest, citing the importance of his contributions to public life.
One participant on hunger strike was also taken to hospital after falling ill during the demonstrations.
Dipke said organizers had repeatedly urged Wangchuk to stop fasting, but that he remained committed and continued preparing supporters for a planned march to parliament on July 20.
Pradhan has rejected calls to resign, while reports said neither his ministry nor government representatives immediately responded to fresh requests for comment.
The demonstrations have become one of the most visible public protests during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's tenure, centering on demands for accountability in India's education system.
The CJP, founded by Dipke, has rapidly expanded its online presence and says it represents young Indians frustrated by unemployment and examination irregularities.
Public anger intensified after question paper leaks led to the cancellation of a medical entrance examination taken by 2.3 million candidates before it was conducted again last month.
Wangchuk, an engineer, educationist and climate activist from Ladakh, has said he is following the tradition of non-violent protest and intends to continue his hunger strike despite worsening health.
Supporters and protest organizers say they will continue pressing their demands through planned demonstrations unless meaningful dialogue with the government begins.