24 July,2026 12:15 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut. File Pic
Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut on Friday questioned the manner in which climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike, saying the fast should have concluded at Jantar Mantar in the presence of protesters and the public.
Reacting to Wangchuk calling off his hunger strike, Raut said he was pleased that the activist had ended the fast but questioned the presence of Union Health Minister JP Nadda and Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh during the process.
"The 26-day movement inspired the youth and ordinary citizens across the country to come out on the streets. The same government against which the protest was held had two of its ministers present when the hunger strike ended. This raises several questions," Raut said.
Raut asked what assurances had been given by the Centre to Wangchuk and said the details should be made public.
He noted that one of the key demands of the protest was the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
"If this demand has not been fulfilled, then what was the reason for ending the hunger strike?" he asked.
Raut also alleged that the government was trying to protect Dharmendra Pradhan and raised concerns over the death of a student and injuries sustained by several others during police action.
Raut said that if Wangchuk had decided to end his hunger strike, it would have been more appropriate to do so at Jantar Mantar in the presence of protesters.
"If Wangchuk had to end his hunger strike, it would have been more appropriate if he had done so by drinking juice offered by injured students or fellow protesters. That would have respected the spirit of the movement," he said.
Raut said several protests were planned in Mumbai, including a "national anthem movement" led by Aaditya Thackeray and various organisations. He also said a march would be held on Sunday under the leadership of Uddhav Thackeray and Raj Thackeray.
He alleged that the Chief Minister was now talking about dialogue despite the government having ignored repeated demands from the Opposition for discussions earlier.
Raut further alleged that the government had tried to suppress and discredit the protest at Jantar Mantar and claimed Wangchuk was treated in an "inhumane" manner.
He said the movement was not centred on an individual but was aimed at challenging the country's political system.
"The government wanted to take credit for ending the movement, whereas the movement belonged to the people," he said.
Referring to Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement, Raut said democracy becomes stronger when governments accept people's demands and resolve issues through dialogue.
He added that fasting for 26 days for the country's youth and education system was a significant sacrifice and that Wangchuk deserved respect for it. Raut expressed hope that the movement would continue and that Wangchuk would remain actively involved.
On the anti-defection law, Raut alleged that the BJP-led government was violating its spirit by encouraging defections.
He claimed legislators were being "bought" and questioned the credibility of new laws introduced by the government.
"A government that does not respect existing laws cannot expect people to trust new legislation," Raut said.
(With PTI inputs)
