Gurugram: Educator-activist Sonam Wangchuk has strongly rejected allegations that he reached a deal with the government before ending his 26-day hunger strike in support of students protesting over the alleged NEET paper leak.

In a video shared on X on Friday, Wangchuk said he was disappointed that people were questioning the sincerity of his protest after he decided to end the fast. Along with the video, he urged people to watch the complete 22-minute message uploaded on his YouTube channel before forming opinions.

He wrote, “AFTER 26 DAYS OF HUNGER DO I NEED TO PROVE MY SINCERITY!!!”

In the video, Wangchuk questioned why his decision to end the hunger strike had led to speculation about political influence and an alleged agreement with the government.

He said, “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?”

Wangchuk said he found it upsetting that his protest was being viewed with suspicion despite the sacrifices he had made.

The activist said he had only recently started taking liquid food after ending the fast and had begun regaining strength. However, he said it was unfortunate that he had to spend that energy responding to allegations instead of focusing on recovery.

He said, “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.”

Rejecting claims that he had negotiated with the government, Wangchuk added, “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.”

Wangchuk ended his hunger strike late on Thursday after the government assured him that peaceful protesters would not face legal action, discussions on examination reforms would be held in Parliament and compensation for the families of students who died by suicide following the alleged NEET paper leak was being positively considered.

The assurances were conveyed by Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh, who were present at the hospital when Wangchuk ended his fast.

He is currently recovering at Medanta Hospital in Gurugram.

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Saumya Agrawal has accumulated over four years of experience curating viral, trending, offbeat, and unconventional news stories. Her journalistic contributions span reputable media outlets, showcasing her ability to uncover viral content.