'Finally...': Sonam Wangchuk discharged from hospital, shares emotional thank-you note

Gurugram: Sonam Wangchuk discharged from hospital, heads to Rajghat before returning to Ladakh as Opposition attacks govt over student protest crackdown

Climate activist and education reformer Sonam Wangchuk was discharged from Medanta Hospital in Gurugram on Monday, bringing an end to his hospital stay following weeks of protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.

Announcing the update on social media, Wangchuk said he would first visit Rajghat in New Delhi to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi before returning to his home in the mountains of Ladakh. His discharge came as Opposition leaders stepped up their criticism of the BJP-led central government over its handling of the student protest movement.

Sonam Wangchuk announces return to Ladakh

In a post on X, Wangchuk wrote, "AND FINALLY.... I'm being discharged from the hospital. Will be going to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi and then back to the mountains."

He also expressed gratitude to those who supported him throughout his treatment, thanking his well-wishers as well as the doctors and medical staff at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

Wangchuk had been admitted to hospital after ending his prolonged hunger strike, which had become the focal point of a nationwide movement demanding accountability over alleged examination paper leaks and recruitment irregularities.

How Wangchuk became the face of the student movement

The protests began after allegations of irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET-UG paper leak controversy and other recruitment-related issues. Students across the country demanded transparent investigations, stricter safeguards for future examinations and accountability from the Union Education Ministry.

The movement gathered national attention when Sonam Wangchuk joined the agitation and began an indefinite hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. His protest drew support from students, civil society groups and several Opposition parties, turning the examination controversy into a major national political issue.

July 20 'Sansad Chalo' march escalated tensions

The situation escalated on July 20 when thousands of protesters participated in the 'Sansad Chalo' march towards Parliament. The demonstration witnessed clashes between protesters and security personnel after police stopped the march from proceeding.

Police reportedly used tear gas shells and lathi charges to disperse the crowd. The handling of the protest became one of the most debated political issues, with Opposition parties accusing the government of using excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.

The events of July 20 also triggered continuous protests by Opposition parties inside and outside Parliament, with demands for accountability over the police action.

Political fallout leads to Education Minister's resignation

The sustained protests eventually led to significant political developments. Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned from the government following mounting pressure over the examination controversy and the handling of the protests.

Pralhad Joshi subsequently assumed charge as the new Union Minister for Education, taking over the ministry amid continuing demands for reforms in the examination system.

Priyanka Gandhi questions alleged use of force

Reacting to reports of police action against student protesters, Congress General Secretary and MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra criticised the government's approach.

She questioned reports claiming that pellet guns and AK-47 rifles had been deployed against protesters, asking, "Are these terrorists?" She also referred to reports that FIRs had been registered against students in Bihar and West Bengal following the protests.

Priyanka Gandhi further raised concerns over reports that parents of female students had allegedly been questioned about allowing their daughters to participate in demonstrations. While noting that she had not independently verified these claims, she questioned whether women in India should be prevented from participating in peaceful protests.

Dimple Yadav condemns alleged crackdown

Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav also criticised the government's handling of the protests, alleging that the use of force against students reflected an attack on democratic freedoms.

She referred to reports of pellet guns being used in Delhi and allegations that AK-47 rifles had been deployed during protests in Bihar, describing such actions as condemnable. Yadav said the spirit of freedom was being weakened through the treatment of protesting students.

Opposition continues protests in Parliament

Opposition parties continued demonstrations inside the Parliament complex on Monday, demanding accountability from Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the events of July 20.

They also called for the withdrawal of criminal cases registered against student protesters and sought action against those responsible for the alleged use of force during the demonstrations.

The student protest movement remains one of the biggest political issues linked to the examination paper leak controversy, with demands for greater transparency, accountability and reforms in India's competitive examination system continuing even after Wangchuk's discharge from hospital.