Mehbooba Mufti, BJP Trade Remarks Over Sonam Wangchuk Protest

A political dispute has erupted between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over activist Sonam Wangchuk's ongoing hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, with PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti criticising the central government for not engaging with protesters. Mufti compared the government's response to colonial-era attitudes, saying that while British rule ended, a "colonial mindset" continued to exist. The BJP rejected her remarks, calling them a publicity attempt and questioning the basis of her comparison.

Mufti said Wangchuk's hunger strike, which is linked to demands including action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, reminded her of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters during India's independence movement. She claimed that Wangchuk was risking his health for the future of India's youth and criticised the Centre for allegedly refusing to hold discussions with protesters at Jantar Mantar.

Reacting to Mufti's comments, BJP leader Ranbir Singh Pathania accused the PDP chief of making exaggerated statements for political attention. He described her remarks as a reflection of what he called "ignorance and eccentricity" and said such comparisons were inappropriate. The BJP maintained that the government's approach should not be equated with British colonial rule and criticised the opposition's framing of the issue.

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Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed concern over Wangchuk's health and urged the Centre to begin dialogue with the protesting group. Abdullah said Wangchuk had been on hunger strike for 19 days and had reportedly lost nine kilograms during the protest. He questioned why the government had not taken steps to engage with the activist and the youth involved in the demonstration.

Abdullah compared the current situation with the 2011 hunger strike by social activist Anna Hazare, when the then UPA government sent ministers to hold discussions and persuade him to end his protest. He said Wangchuk's demands were not unreasonable and called for dialogue between the government and protesters. The controversy has added to the political debate surrounding the protest, with parties divided over the government's response and the nature of the demands being raised.

Also Read: Sonam Wangchuk Vows to Continue Fast Till July 20 Despite Health Warning