18 July,2026 02:18 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Uddhav Thackeray. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Centre, accusing it of ignoring climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's 21-day hunger strike and showing indifference to the concerns of students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination.
In an editorial published in the party mouthpiece Saamana, the Uddhav Thackeray-led party alleged that the Narendra Modi government had failed to engage with Wangchuk despite his prolonged protest and criticised attempts to discredit the activist.
The editorial said Wangchuk, along with a student identified as Neha, had been on a hunger strike at Delhi's Jantar Mantar demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.
According to the editorial, Wangchuk had travelled from Ladakh to the national capital to raise issues concerning students and the country.
The party also alleged that corporate interests were threatening Ladakh's fragile ecosystem and claimed Wangchuk had been targeted for speaking out against the issue.
"When Wangchuk raised his voice against this institutional looting, he became undesirable to PM Modi. Fighting for one's rights has effectively become a crime in independent India," the editorial stated.
The editorial criticised BJP leaders for allegedly attempting to tarnish the image of Ramon Magsaysay Award and Padma award recipient Sonam Wangchuk.
It specifically referred to BJP MP Manoj Tiwari's reported remarks describing Wangchuk as part of the "Aam Aadmi gang" and an "obstacle" to the country's development.
Responding to those comments, the editorial accused the BJP of hypocrisy, recalling that several BJP leaders had supported the anti-corruption movement led by Anna Hazare at Delhi's Ramlila Maidan.
The Shiv Sena (UBT) claimed the alleged NEET-UG paper leak had affected millions of students across the country and criticised the government's handling of the issue.
It alleged that the controversy had pushed many students into distress and questioned the Centre's response to their concerns.
The editorial also expressed concern over the health of Neha, the student participating in the hunger strike alongside Wangchuk, alleging that the government had failed to respond despite warnings from doctors.
The editorial drew a contrast between Prime Minister Narendra Modi's foreign engagements and his response to Wangchuk's protest.
It criticised the Prime Minister for not meeting the activist despite the prolonged hunger strike and alleged that the government had shown little empathy towards the protesters.
The party also highlighted Wangchuk's contribution to national security, referring to his work in developing solar-powered insulated tents designed to help Indian soldiers operate in high-altitude border regions.
Concluding the editorial, Shiv Sena (UBT) alleged that the BJP's handling of Wangchuk's protest reflected political arrogance.
Drawing parallels with historical rulers, the editorial claimed that excessive arrogance ultimately leads to downfall.
"History shows that such arrogance eventually turns to dust. The bubbling ego of the BJP over Wangchuk's hunger strike will meet the same fate," the editorial commented.
(With inputs from IANS)
