Gitanjali Angmo, social entrepreneur and wife of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, has criticised the Congress’s recent protest outside Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence, describing it as “insincere” and arguing that political parties should not attempt to claim ownership of the ongoing student-led movement over the alleged NEET paper leak.
In an interview with India Today, Angmo said opposition leaders should have stood alongside protesting students at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar instead of organising a separate demonstration. She alleged that some political leaders were trying to capitalise on Wangchuk’s credibility, insisting that the movement belongs neither to the government nor the opposition but solely to students seeking accountability, examination transparency and education reforms.
Her remarks come days after Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several Congress leaders staged a sit-in near the Prime Minister’s residence to protest police action against student demonstrators, during which they were detained and later released.
While welcoming support from anyone without political motives, Angmo maintained that the movement would remain independent. Meanwhile, Sonam Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike, with the Centre indicating its willingness to engage in dialogue over the protesters’ demands.
‘Public Cannot Be Fooled’
Questioning the Congress’s decision to organise a parallel protest instead of joining students already gathered at Jantar Mantar, Angmo said symbolic political gestures risk diverting attention from the movement’s original purpose.
“The protest outside the Prime Minister’s residence lacked sincerity. The public cannot be fooled anymore. This is an awakened India. Those who are insincere will be thrown out by the youth,” she told India Today. She further alleged that some leaders were attempting to benefit from Wangchuk’s public standing rather than strengthening students’ demands.
According to Angmo, the campaign must remain focused on securing accountability, protecting the integrity of public examinations and bringing long-term reforms to India’s education system.
She added that support from individuals or organisations is welcome only if it comes without political agendas or attempts to steer the movement. Her intervention reflects concerns among organisers that party-led demonstrations could overshadow the student-led nature of the protest, which has consistently projected itself as non-partisan.
Politics Around Student Protests
Angmo’s remarks follow the Congress’s protest outside 7, Lok Kalyan Marg on July 21, where Rahul Gandhi, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and several senior Opposition leaders staged a sit-in against the Delhi Police’s action on student protesters demonstrating over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Security personnel detained the leaders before releasing them later in the day. Congress defended its protest, saying it sought accountability from the Union government and reiterated its demand for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation, while Rahul Gandhi accused the Centre of suppressing students’ voices and avoiding parliamentary discussion on the issue.
However, sections of the student movement criticised the decision to hold a separate demonstration rather than joining the protest at Jantar Mantar, arguing that parallel political campaigns could dilute the movement’s independence. Angmo’s comments also come as Wangchuk continues his indefinite hunger strike after being shifted to hospital.
He has stated that he is prepared to end his fast if the government assures that no legal action will be taken against student protesters and meaningful discussions on education reforms begin. Union Minister J.P. Nadda has said the government is willing to respond to Wangchuk’s demands through dialogue.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The concerns raised by Gitanjali Angmo underline a larger question about the relationship between citizen movements and political parties. Democracies thrive when elected representatives amplify public concerns, but movements led by citizens especially young people also deserve the autonomy to define their own priorities without becoming vehicles for political competition.
Whether support comes from the government, the Opposition or civil society, it is most meaningful when it strengthens rather than overshadows the voices at the heart of the movement. The ongoing debate should ultimately remain centred on ensuring fair examinations, transparent institutions and meaningful reforms that restore students’ trust in the education system.
Also read: ‘Students Being Used as Political Tools’: Rajnath Singh Accuses Opposition Amid Delhi Protests
