Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday, 16 July launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led central government over climate activist and educationist Sonam Wangchuk's fast-unto-death, accusing the Centre of dismissing a legitimate public movement to protect political interests. As Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, Thackeray expressed alarm over the activist's deteriorating health and called out what he described as the government's systematic undermining of democratic dissent.

Thackeray's Broadside on the Centre

In a post on X, Thackeray drew a pointed parallel between the government's silence on Wangchuk's fast and its alleged tolerance of financial irregularities. “It feels utterly awful to say that the government has decided to sacrifice Sonam Wangchuk -- and by extension, a movement that represents a voice for this country,” he said. He added: “When a government can watch silently as Shri Ram’s treasury is being looted, what difference will citizens’ movements make to them?”

Thackeray further alleged that public institutions have been brought under central control to manage elections at “astonomical costs,” and accused mainstream media of functioning under “invisible bosses” to suppress dissenting voices while independent outlets operate under a constant “sword of Damocles.”

BJP's Shifting Stance on Wangchuk

Thackeray traced what he called a timeline of political convenience in the BJP's relationship with the Ladakh-based activist. He noted that in 2018, the ruling party had invited Wangchuk to the Re-Invest Conference to draw on his expertise in unconventional energy. “One good thing about the BJP is that a person remains dear to them only as long as it suits their convenience,” Thackeray remarked.

According to Thackeray, Wangchuk initially welcomed Ladakh's Union Territory status but soon recognised that the government's underlying commitments were not being honoured. Despite repeated assurances, the Centre has reportedly failed to act on core demands — including the grant of full statehood, creation of two Lok Sabha constituencies, and protection of local land rights.

The NEET Crisis and Exam Scams

Turning to the immediate trigger of Wangchuk's current agitation, Thackeray strongly backed demands for structural transparency in competitive examinations and the immediate removal of the Union Education Minister. He cited a pattern of examination irregularities under the present regime, ranging from the Vyapam scam in Madhya Pradesh to recent leaks in national eligibility tests and teacher recruitment papers.

This pattern of impunity, he argued, stems from “unlimited power” and a total grip over state machinery — which the ruling party, he alleged, presents as the “silent consent” of voters. The NEET controversy has drawn nationwide protests, with students and parents demanding accountability and systemic reform of the examination framework.

A Direct Appeal to PM Modi

Thackeray concluded with a direct appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to treat the student crisis as a social issue rather than a political one. “This isn’t a political issue. This is a social one,” Thackeray emphasised. He pointed out that BJP supporters, office-bearers, and workers were themselves among the lakhs of NEET students and parents who had suffered. “Viewing this movement through a political lens is fundamentally a sign of the central government’s narrow-mindedness,” he said.

With Wangchuk's health reportedly worsening and student protests showing no sign of abating, pressure on the Centre to respond is expected to intensify in the coming days.