Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra on Thursday expressed support for activist Sonam Wangchuk, while accusing the BJP of attempting to divert attention from the issues raised by his hunger strike.In a post on X, Moitra wrote, “Sir @Wangchuk66 we are with you. But it is about BJP govt’s shamelessness & pettiness. Let’s not let BJP ecosystem make this about LoP who frankly was first to say education minister must be sacked & has always walked the talk on this issue.“Moitra’s remarks came in support as questions mounted over LoP Rahul Gandhi’s absence from Wangchuk’s hunger strike at Jantar Mantar against alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations.‘Rahul Gandhi’s absence isn’t the real issue’CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke on Wednesday dismissed the growing focus on Rahul Gandhi’s absence from the Sonam Wangchuk protest, saying it was distracting from the movement’s core demands.In a post on X, Dipke urged people to focus on holding the government accountable instead of questioning why Opposition leaders or even CJP members were not fasting alongside Wangchuk.“Instead of asking why opposition leader hasn’t supported CJP, or why every CJP team member isn’t on a hunger strike alongside Sonam sir, ask the questions that actually matter. Why is the Prime Minister refusing to engage in a dialogue? Why is the Education Minister still not being held accountable? These are the questions that deserve answers, not distractions that only help shield those in power from accountability,” he wrote.Wangchuk’s health has become a growing concern as his hunger strike entered its 19th day. According to organisers, he has lost 8.5 kg since beginning the fast on June 28.Several Opposition leaders, including Akhilesh Yadav and Arvind Kejriwal, have appealed to Wangchuk to end his hunger strike while assuring him of their continued support for the movement.The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is demanding the resignation of the Union education minister over alleged irregularities in NEET and other examinations, with a march to Parliament planned on July 20.
