Scientist and activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for “India’s second Independence movement” to bring about changes in how the country chooses its leaders, urging citizens to suggest “selfless, fearless” people of character and substance who can help shape India’s future.
He highlighted the criminal cases against elected representatives, saying that close to half of India’s MPs have criminal cases against them, while a third face serious charges such as murder, rape and kidnapping. However, he stressed that the conversation should not be limited to intellectuals. Wangchuk’s intervention came weeks after he emerged as a prominent face of a student-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations. He joined the protest in June and began an indefinite hunger strike, demanding accountability over concerns surrounding the examination system.
In a post on X on Thursday, Wangchuk said India needs a “peaceful revolution”, particularly in the way political leaders are chosen, if the country is to remain a “respectable nation” by 2047. He said this was contributing to a growing “trust deficit” in the country. Wangchuk said he wanted to consult some of the “best minds” across India to brainstorm about what needs to change and how such changes could be brought about. During their conversation, Mahato said Wangchuk assured him of continued support for the students’ agitation in Jharkhand. Following the assurance, Mahato agreed to consume water and salt but said he would continue his indefinite hunger strike.
