Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Questions Congress Protest, Says Students’ Movement Should Stay Above Politics
As climate activist Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike from a hospital in Gurugram, his wife Gitanjali Angmo has questioned the Congress party’s recent protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, saying political leaders should have stood with students at Jantar Mantar instead of holding a separate demonstration.
In an interview with India Today, Angmo said the ongoing movement was initiated by students seeking accountability over alleged examination irregularities and deserved direct support at the protest site. She expressed the view that political leaders should have joined the students rather than organising a symbolic protest elsewhere.
Angmo also voiced concern over what she described as attempts to associate Wangchuk’s campaign with political agendas. She said people are capable of distinguishing between genuine support and political messaging, adding that the movement should remain focused on the concerns of students.
"The protest outside the Prime Minister's residence lacked sincerity. The public cannot be fooled anymore. This is an awakened India. Those who are insincere will be thrown out by the youth," Angmo told India Today.
Her remarks came after Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and several senior party leaders staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s official residence on July 21 to protest the alleged police action against students during the Parliament march. The protest ended after police detained Rahul Gandhi and other Congress leaders.
Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk continues his hunger strike while receiving treatment at a hospital in Gurugram. The students' movement over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination reforms has continued to draw attention across the country, with political parties, activists and public figures expressing differing views on how the issue should be addressed.
