New Delhi, July 25, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress MP Imran Masood on Saturday questioned activist Sonam Wangchuk’s decision to end his 26-day hunger strike after meeting Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh, asking what understanding led to the conclusion of the protest.
Masood raised questions over the timing of Wangchuk’s decision, pointing out that several Opposition leaders and student groups had earlier appealed to him to end the fast due to concerns over his health.
Speaking to IANS, Masood said that while several Opposition MPs had requested Wangchuk to withdraw his protest, the activist ended the hunger strike only after discussions with government representatives.
“We had said that when you were carrying out the protest, 45 Opposition MPs went to request you. We had been continuously saying that your life is precious and that you should not put yourself at risk. But when two ministers from the BJP government went to you, you immediately agreed? And what exactly did you agree on? Please explain that as well,” he said.
Masood asked why Wangchuk began the hunger strike and why he chose to end it after the ministerial meeting instead of responding to appeals from students and Opposition leaders.
“The students for whom you went on a hunger strike, you should have called those very students and ended the protest by accepting their request,” he said.
Wangchuk, however, has denied any compromise with the government and rejected allegations that his decision was based on an agreement with the Centre. He said his main objective was to ensure that students participating in protests against examination paper leaks were not subjected to violence or legal action.
Responding to criticism, Wangchuk had said that after a 26-day fast, significant weight loss and risks to his health, he did not need a “character certificate” to prove the sincerity of his protest.
Masood also criticised the government’s proposed legislation to impose stricter punishments for paper leaks, saying existing laws were sufficient if properly implemented. He alleged that accountability was lacking in the handling of examination irregularities.
Questioning action against officials linked to the National Testing Agency (NTA), Masood said the removal of 47 personnel did not address the larger issue of responsibility within the system.
The Congress leader’s remarks came after the Union Cabinet approved a draft Bill proposing stronger measures against paper leaks in competitive examinations.
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