‘Do I need a character certificate now?’ Wangchuk breaks silence over ‘deal’ claims

New Delhi: Social activist Sonam Wangchuk on Friday pushed back against allegations that he had compromised with the government after ending his 26-day indefinite hunger strike over examination irregularities, including concerns linked to the NEET-UG paper leak controversy.

In a video message shared on social media, Wangchuk questioned whether his commitment to the cause still needed to be proved after nearly a month of fasting. He urged critics to watch his full 22-minute message before drawing conclusions about his decision to end the protest.

“After 26 days of hunger, do I still need to prove my sincerity?” Wangchuk said while responding to those questioning his decision.

The remarks came after criticism emerged on social media following the announcement that he was ending his fast after receiving assurances from the government. Some users questioned whether the move represented a compromise, while Wangchuk’s supporters argued that the decision came after discussions over key demands raised during the protest.

From hunger strike to fresh questions

Wangchuk’s hunger strike had become one of the prominent faces of the wider student-led protests demanding accountability over alleged examination failures and reforms in the testing system.

The protest highlighted concerns over paper leaks, the functioning of examination authorities and the impact of irregularities on students who spend years preparing for competitive exams.

After 26 days without food, the decision to end the fast shifted the focus from the demands of the protest to questions around the agreement reached with the government. The controversy reflected how quickly public opinion can change, with months of activism being judged through a single decision.

Physical, mental and social toll of the protest

Wangchuk’s wife, Gitanjali Angmo, appealed to critics not to rush to judgement, pointing to the physical impact of the prolonged hunger strike.

She said Wangchuk lost around 11 kg, including muscle mass, during the fast and was recovering in the ICU. She urged people to consider the health risks involved before questioning his intentions.

A hunger strike of such duration can place significant stress on the body, leading to weakness, exhaustion and medical complications. Beyond the physical impact, prolonged protests also involve emotional pressure, constant public scrutiny and the responsibility of carrying the expectations of supporters.

The protest also brought legal and social challenges, with the broader agitation facing criticism, police action and political debate over the demands being raised.

Why Wangchuk ended the fast

Wangchuk ended his hunger strike after meetings between protest representatives and government ministers, including JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh.

According to Wangchuk, the government assured that discussions would take place on examination reforms, possible compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the NEET controversy and steps regarding legal cases filed against peaceful protesters.

He described the development as the beginning of discussions on accountability rather than the end of the movement.

Government’s response and ongoing debate

The government is saying they have maintained that its priority is reforming the examination system, strengthening the National Testing Agency (NTA) and taking action against those involved in paper leak networks.

However, protesters have continued to demand greater accountability, including responsibility from those in charge of the examination system.

The episode has also highlighted a larger challenge for public movements in the digital age — how quickly narratives can shift and how difficult it can be for activists to maintain public trust when decisions are made during complex negotiations.

For Wangchuk, the end of the hunger strike may have closed one chapter of the protest, but the debate over examination reforms, accountability and public expectations continues.