Sonam Wangchuk
'After 26 days of hunger, do I still need to prove my sincerity?' Sonam Wangchuk hits back at critics
Activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday dismissed allegations that he had struck a "deal" with the Centre to end his 26-day hunger strike, asking critics whether he still needed to prove his sincerity to the nation after fasting for nearly a month over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak and examination irregularities.
In a video shared on social media, Wangchuk said: "AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER, DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY!!!"
AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY !!!
— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026
Do please watch and help spread the word. Find the full 22 minutes video on my YouTube Channel: Sonam Wangchuk pic.twitter.com/6CO3tjZsSD
His remarks came amid criticism on social media following his decision to call off the fast on Thursday.
Earlier in the day, his wife, Gitanjali Angmo, appealed to people not to rush to judgment over Wangchuk's decision.
"Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself," she wrote on X.
Before you rush to criticise @Wangchuk66, first pause to earn the ethos of fasting for 26 days for a cause larger than yourself.
— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 24, 2026
He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of…
"He lies in the ICU today, having lost 11 kg, including muscle mass, because he chose sacrifice over comfort. The least we can offer him is a day of compassion before burdening him with our own expectations and political calculations," Angmo said.
"Not everyone is qualified to judge a life of selfless service. One must first earn the moral stature to do so. Please... have a heart," she added.
Meanwhile, the Centre and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) are expected to hold the third round of talks on Saturday.
NEET protesters demand Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation
Jantar Mantar in New Delhi continued to remain the epicentre of nationwide protests, with thousands of demonstrators demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak and examination irregularities.
The agitation intensified after students attempting to march towards Parliament on July 20 were stopped by police, with several protesters reportedly injured during the crackdown.
PM announces tougher measures against paper leaks
On Thursday night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a video statement, announced that the government would introduce stricter measures against those involved in paper leak cases.
"Paper leak is not an ordinary issue. It is very painful for lakhs of students and their families," he said, adding that fast-track courts would be established to ensure the speedy trial of such cases.
On Friday, CJP representatives held talks with Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh.
CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said the government had sought time until Saturday afternoon to respond to the protesters' key demand for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
He added that the Centre had given its "in-principle approval" to two other demands: providing compensation to the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide and withdrawing FIRs and other legal cases filed against protesting students.
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