New Delhi, July 24, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Political leaders across the spectrum on Friday welcomed climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike over alleged exam irregularities, while opposition leaders said the students’ movement had grown beyond any individual or organisation.
Wangchuk ended his fast late Thursday night in the presence of Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh after receiving assurances from the Centre on key demands raised by students protesting against alleged irregularities in examinations.
Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) MP Manoj Jha said the movement had reached a stage where it could not be linked to any single person or outfit.
“When a movement reaches this stage, it is not restricted to any one person or outfit,” Jha told IANS, adding that the government would have to address the concerns of a large number of people associated with the issue.
Communist Party of India MP P. Santhosh Kumar said the focus should remain on the students’ demands, asserting that the issue was larger than Wangchuk’s hunger strike.
Samajwadi Party MP Ram Gopal Yadav said his party has traditionally not supported indefinite hunger strikes and referred to the views of socialist leader Dr Ram Manohar Lohia on the method of protest.
Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Mahua Maji said over 50 MPs had signed an appeal requesting Wangchuk to end his fast. She said activists like him play an important role in raising public issues and expressed relief after he ended the protest.
Leaders from the ruling NDA also supported Wangchuk’s decision. Punjab BJP Vice-President Subhash Sharma said the government was committed to resolving the issue and finding a solution to concerns raised by students.
Uttar Pradesh Minister Sanjay Nishad described Wangchuk as an educated and wise person and said genuine demands are heard in a democratic system.
Wangchuk’s hunger strike had drawn attention to concerns raised by students regarding examination-related issues, with political leaders continuing to debate the next steps needed to address the matter.
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