Voices from Opposition, film industry rally in Wangchuk’s support
Activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing protest has gained significant momentum, drawing support from various Indian opposition leaders and political parties. Figures including Arvind Kejriwal, Dimple Yadav, and representatives from the Congress and DMK have visited the site to express solidarity and urge government dialogue.
Why it matters
The growing political support for Wangchuk highlights increasing pressure on the Indian government regarding student grievances and exam irregularities, potentially escalating the protest into a broader national political issue.
Even as his fast approached a critical stage on Thursday (July 16, 2026), Sonam Wangchuk’s predicament attracted more voices of support, with Jantar Mantar’s protest site seeing a massive increase in crowds as former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal came to the site.
Dimple Yadav, Samajwadi Party MP from Mainpuri, also visited Mr. Wangchuk and urged the Union government to “show some sensitivity” to the protest and initiate a dialogue with the activist. Ms. Yadav was accompanied by other Lok Sabha MPs from the SP, including Dharmendra Yadav (who represents Azamgarh), Mohibbullah Nadvi (Rampur), and Lakshmikant Nishad (Sant Kabir Nagar).
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has planned a march to Parliament on July 20, a demonstration that Mr. Wangchuk has urged supporters to attend.
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