'Do I Need A Character Certificate?': Sonam Wangchuk Slams Critics Over Decision To End Fast

Published 24 July 2026 · india

'Do I Need A Character Certificate?': Sonam Wangchuk Slams Critics Over Decision To End Fast Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 23:48 IST Wangchuk

'Do I Need A Character Certificate?': Sonam Wangchuk Slams Critics Over Decision To End Fast Published By, Last Updated: July 24, 2026, 23:48 IST Wangchuk dismissed allegations that he had struck a deal with the government, saying he should not have to prove the sincerity of his protest. Sonam Wangchuk broke his fast in the presence of Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh late Thursday. Educator-activist Sonam Wangchuk has hit back at critics questioning his decision to end his 26-day hunger strike held in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak. In a video message shared on X on Friday, Wangchuk dismissed allegations that he had struck a deal with the government, saying he should not have to prove the sincerity of his protest. Sharing the video, Wangchuk wrote, “AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY!!!" He also urged people to watch the full 22-minute video on his YouTube channel. In the video, Wangchuk questioned why his decision to call off the fast had led to speculation about political influence.

“Do I need a character certificate to prove that my hunger strike was genuine? Since I have ended it, people are asking whose influence led me to do so. Why did I end my fast through these ministers and not others? What deal was made? Do I really have to answer all these questions?" he said. AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY!!!Do please watch and help spread the word. Find the full 22 minutes video on my YouTube Channel: Sonam Wangchuk pic.twitter.com/6CO3tjZsSD— Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) July 24, 2026 ‘Pains Me deeply’ The activist said he has started taking liquid food after ending his fast and had regained some strength, but was saddened that he had to use that energy to respond to such allegations. “Since yesterday, I have started taking liquid food, and I have regained a little strength. Unfortunately, I have to use that strength to respond to these allegations. It pains me deeply to say this," Wangchuk said.

Wangchuk strongly denied claims that any deal was made with the government to end his protest. “If I wanted to make a deal, would I have needed to sit on a hunger strike for 26 days? Many people have made deals before, but have you ever seen anyone doing it this way? Was I sitting in a luxurious, air-conditioned room making a deal? I spent 26 days fasting on the roadside in Delhi’s scorching heat," he said. Calling the allegations disappointing, Wangchuk added that it was “shameful" that such thoughts were being entertained despite the nature of his protest. Wangchuk ended his fast late on Thursday after the government assured him that it would not initiate legal action against peaceful protesters, would hold discussions in Parliament on examination reforms, and was positively considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak. The assurances were conveyed by Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who were present in the hospital when the educator broke his fast.