Climate activist and engineer Sonam Wangchuk is resisting widespread calls to end his indefinite hunger strike in Delhi, now in its 19th day.
Wangchuk, who has lost nearly 9kg from his already lean frame, is extremely weak and unable to speak or walk without support.
An Indian court has intervened, ordering local authorities to monitor his deteriorating health.
Demands and Background
Wangchuk began his strike on June 28 to support the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), a movement demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The CJP was founded on May 16 by 30-year-old Abhijeet Dipke after the chief justice of India referred to unemployed youths as "cockroaches."
Public anger escalated after a critical nationwide medical entrance exam was cancelled in early May due to a paper leak, leading to reported student suicides.
Protesters have been camping at Jantar Mantar in Delhi since June 6, enduring temperatures above 37 degrees Celsius.
Despite growing crowds and the organizers' deteriorating health, no members of the Narendra Modi government have engaged with the demonstrators.
"Why won't they talk to us?" asked CJP national spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka.
Opposition politician Anish Gawande criticized the government, noting that ministers sitting nearby are ignoring the public's aspirations.
Wangchuk is no stranger to government confrontation, having been jailed for 170 days last year in Ladakh before charges were dropped.
Several other demonstrators have joined the fast, with one already hospitalized.
"How can this government ignore honest, well-meaning young boys and girls?" asked 27-year-old Atul Yadav, who has refused food for three days.
Medical volunteers, including Dr. Nitin Dighe, monitor Wangchuk's vital organ functions, noting he refuses extra cooling fans to share the crowd's suffering.
Prominent figures, including Congress MP Shashi Tharoor and over 1,800 personalities, have urged Wangchuk to end his fast, calling the struggle a marathon rather than a sprint.
If Wangchuk's condition becomes critical, observers expect the government will transport him to a hospital for force-feeding.
The CJP has organized a march on parliament to coincide with the first day of the new legislative session on Monday.
"Come for the rally on Monday. Come to show your support," Wangchuk whispered to supporters who gathered past 9pm on Wednesday.
