Uddhav Thackeray appeals to Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw fast

Shiv Sena UBT leader Uddhav Thackeray on Monday (July 13, 2026) appealed to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk to withdraw his hunger strike, while supporting his cause. The development comes at a time when Mr. Wangchuk’s health has deteriorated during an indefinite hunger strike in New Delhi against alleged examination irregularities.

Uddhav Thackeray supported the protest of the Cockroach Janta Party’s march to Parliament, which will be held on July 20. He also appealed to the political leaders from other parties, including Rahul Gandhi, to support the march for the future of the youth of the country.

Mr. Thackeray hit out at the government for failing to reach out to Mr. Wangchuk to hold talks with him. “There is no shame in seeking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and giving charge to someone else who is more capable,” Mr. Thackeray said during a press address in Mumbai on Monday (July 13).

He expressed concern over Cockroach Janata Party founder Abhijit Dipke’s claim that goons were planned to be sent to disrupt the party’s July 20 protest march to Parliament. “This is condemnable. Who is he fighting for? The people of the country need to think. This is not a political issue, but an issue for the country. Till the country doesn’t awaken, the rulers will not understand their responsibility,” he said.

Accusing the government of its lack of sensitivity about handling the protest, he recalled a previous agitation by Anna Hazare two decades ago, when the Manmohan Singh government had sent high-level delegations to convince Anna to withdraw his hunger strike.

Mr. Wangchuk has been sitting on a hunger strike for over 16 days now. “What is he asking for? Has the government spoken with Sonam Wangchuk? I had sent my party’s MP Arvind Sawant to meet him. I have myself appealed to him to withdraw his hunger strike,” he said.

For the students’ future

Expressing concern over the government’s inaction on allegations of examination irregularities, he said no serious action had been initiated in the NEET exam scam case, though Maharashtra was found to be its epicentre.

“Students have died by suicide after the NEET exams. Abhijit Dipke is leading an agitation for them. Even the parents should think about the future of their children. I support Abhijit Dipke’s agitation. I express complete support to Sonam Wangchuk,” Mr. Thackeray said.