Social activist Sonam Wangchuk has shared significant details regarding his 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, which was organized during a protest by the Cockroach Janta Party against the NEET paper leak case. Reflecting on the period of his hunger strike, Wangchuk expressed profound disappointment with both opposition leaders and members of the ruling government, highlighting how political figures handled the sensitive demonstration.
Unresponsive Opposition During the 26-Day Hunger Strike
Sonam Wangchuk explained that he had intended to end his 26-day fast by drinking juice offered by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. His wife, Gitanjali, made extensive efforts to contact the opposition leader to arrange for him to visit Jantar Mantar and officially conclude the hunger strike. However, despite repeated attempts, the response remained negative and no progress was made. Wangchuk stated that Rahul Gandhi completely ignored the plan and overlooked their outreach efforts.
Gitanjali had hoped that involving prominent opposition figures would draw meaningful support toward the students protesting the NEET paper leak. Wangchuk stated, "We were thinking of breaking our fast at the hands of Rahul Gandhi ji." He added that the lack of engagement left him disheartened, pointing out that most political leaders who did visit the Jantar Mantar demonstration arrived either late or in very small numbers.
Allegations of Broken Promises Against Union Ministers
Sonam Wangchuk also leveled serious accusations of breached assurances against Union Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister Jitendra Singh. According to Wangchuk, both ministers had explicitly assured him that photographs of them offering him soup would remain private until he formally declared the end of his fast in the presence of opposition representatives and student leaders.
Despite this clear understanding, the photographs were released publicly without waiting for the agreed-upon formal announcement. Expressing his broken confidence, Wangchuk remarked, "They had promised not to release the pictures, but they broke their promise." He noted that this breach of trust destroyed any remaining faith he had in those leaders.
Social Media Trolling and Selective Political Responses
The situation escalated further when Gitanjali publicly questioned Rahul Gandhi's decision to hold a protest outside the Prime Minister's residence, which triggered heavy online trolling against her. Wangchuk highlighted what he described as a stark double standard in political reactions. He noted that his wife had previously posted four to five severe critiques regarding the BJP and Hindutva-aligned figures, none of which elicited an aggressive response from that side.
However, the moment she voiced criticism regarding Rahul Gandhi, supporters connected to the Congress ecosystem began targeting both her and Wangchuk online. Reflecting on the ordeal, Wangchuk noted, "I am disappointed with the leadership; they should not be so narrow-minded in their approach." He urged political figures across party lines to show greater open-mindedness and focus on genuine public concerns rather than defensive partisan attacks.
