Uddhav Thackeray Urges Rahul Gandhi To Meet Sonam Wangchuk During Hunger Strike

Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray on Monday appealed to Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi to visit the ongoing protest at Delhi's Jantar Mantar and express solidarity with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and the demonstrators. Thackeray made the remarks during a press conference in Mumbai, saying he was also considering visiting the protest site himself. Backing the agitation, Thackeray said the concerns being raised by the protesters deserved wider political attention and support from opposition parties.

He urged Rahul Gandhi to personally visit the demonstration, arguing that the Congress leader's presence would strengthen the movement and draw greater national attention to the issues being highlighted. Speaking to reporters, the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader said he stood with Wangchuk and those participating in the protest. He added that he may also travel to New Delhi to meet the protesters, although he did not specify a timeline for such a visit. His remarks came amid growing political discussion over the ongoing demonstration at Jantar Mantar.

The protest, led by Sonam Wangchuk and supported by various groups, has sought to draw attention to a range of issues concerning governance, environmental protection and public policy. Demonstrators have been staging protests at Jantar Mantar, one of the country's designated venues for public demonstrations, while calling for broader political engagement with their demands. Thackeray's appeal also reflects efforts by opposition parties to rally around issues that have gained public attention beyond conventional electoral politics.

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By asking Rahul Gandhi to visit the protest, the Shiv Sena (UBT) chief indicated that opposition unity should extend to movements concerning environmental and governance-related concerns. Rahul Gandhi has not publicly responded to Thackeray's appeal. The Congress has also not issued an official statement on whether its senior leaders plan to visit the protest site. Political observers will be watching to see whether opposition parties coordinate their response to the demonstration in the coming days.

The remarks come as opposition leaders continue to engage with civil society movements on issues ranging from environmental conservation to democratic rights. Jantar Mantar has historically served as a focal point for protests involving activists, farmers, students and social organisations seeking government intervention on a variety of public issues. As the demonstration continues in the national capital, attention is likely to remain on whether more political leaders extend their support to the protesters. Thackeray's statement has added a political dimension to the agitation, with calls for greater opposition participation likely to intensify if the protest continues in the days ahead.

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