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Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray on Thursday voiced support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, whose indefinite hunger strike entered its 19th day, and criticised the BJP-led Centre over its handling of the ongoing protest.

In a post on X, Thackeray said reports about Wangchuk's deteriorating health and visuals from the protest site were "certainly alarming". He alleged that the government had chosen to ignore both the activist and the democratic right to protest.

Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike since June 28 after joining protests organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The campaign is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in NEET and other competitive examinations.

Raj Thackeray Questions Centre's Response

Thackeray alleged that the government had become indifferent to citizens' protests and claimed institutions that should function independently had been compromised.

He also criticised sections of the mainstream media, alleging that they were focused on discrediting the Opposition and dissenting voices instead of questioning those in power.

According to the MNS chief, this had made it easier for the government to suppress protests and ignore demands raised on issues of public importance.

'There Is Nothing Wrong With Wangchuk's Demands'

Thackeray said Wangchuk's demands were limited to ensuring transparency in examinations and seeking the removal of the minister responsible for the alleged irregularities.

"There is nothing amiss in this demand," he said, while alleging that examination-related irregularities had occurred repeatedly during the BJP's tenure, citing the Vyapam scam, the alleged NEET paper leak and recent teacher recruitment examination paper leak cases.

He further claimed that the BJP's electoral victories had made it reluctant to accept criticism and alleged that its alliance partners lacked an independent identity.

Recalls BJP's Earlier Support for Wangchuk

Thackeray also recalled that the BJP had earlier appreciated Wangchuk's work, including inviting him to the 2018 Re-Invest conference to discuss non-conventional energy.

He said Wangchuk had initially welcomed the Centre's decision to make Ladakh a separate Union Territory but later became critical after, according to Thackeray, the government failed to act on demands related to statehood, parliamentary representation and protection of local land rights.

According to Thackeray, the assurances given to Wangchuk were not followed by concrete action.

Health Concerns Grow Over Ongoing Fast

Organisers of the protest said Wangchuk has lost around 8.5 kg since beginning his hunger strike, raising concerns over his health.

Several Opposition leaders have appealed to Wangchuk to end his fast while expressing support for the issues he has raised.