Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray has extended his support to social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is on the 19th day of his hunger strike, and urged the Centre to address his concerns without delay.
In a detailed statement, Thackeray described reports about Wangchuk’s health as “deeply disturbing” and appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene.
Thackeray alleged that the Union government was ignoring a legitimate protest and warned that suppressing peaceful demonstrations would weaken democratic values. He also criticised sections of the media, claiming that important public issues were being sidelined while dissenting voices were being targeted.
Recalling Wangchuk’s earlier association with the BJP, Thackeray said the activist had initially welcomed the Centre’s decision to grant Ladakh Union Territory status but later became disillusioned after his demands for constitutional safeguards, land protection and greater political representation remained unfulfilled.
Referring to Wangchuk’s current agitation, Thackeray said the activist was demanding transparency in examinations, accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination process, and action against those responsible. He argued that such concerns affected lakhs of students and their families and should not be viewed through a political lens.
The MNS chief also referred to previous examination controversies, including the Vyapam scam and alleged paper leaks in recruitment and entrance examinations, saying repeated irregularities had eroded public confidence in the system.
Addressing Prime Minister Narendra Modi directly, Thackeray said the NEET controversy was a serious social issue rather than a political one. He urged the Prime Minister to take decisive action, stating that meaningful reforms would be remembered more than records or political milestones.
Thackeray further criticised what he described as the growing influence of social media-driven activism, saying public movements should not be reduced to online engagement through memes, reels and the pursuit of likes.
He said that meaningful change comes through organised public participation and political engagement, citing the opposition to the proposed Hindi imposition in Maharashtra as an example of a movement that succeeded through collective action.
Reiterating his party’s stand, Thackeray said the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena fully supports Sonam Wangchuk’s demands and believes transparency must be ensured in all examinations. He also called for the resignation of ministers responsible for alleged lapses in the examination system.
Concluding his statement, Thackeray appealed to citizens to remain vigilant and continue questioning those in power. He said the MNS would continue to support movements that seek transparency, accountability and systemic reforms.
