MLA Jairam Mahto extends support to Sonam Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar
Surendra Soren
Ranchi
Dumri MLA and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) founder Jairam Mahto, popularly known as “Tiger Jairam,” met climate activist and education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Friday, expressing solidarity with his ongoing indefinite hunger strike and extending support to the demands for greater transparency and accountability in the country’s education system.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite fast for the past 20 days, raising concerns over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET, while advocating reforms in the education sector and seeking greater accountability from the authorities.
During the meeting, Mahto interacted with Wangchuk and others participating in the protest, describing the movement as an important campaign for safeguarding the interests of students across the country.
Speaking to reporters after the meeting, the Jharkhand legislator said the future of the nation’s youth should never be jeopardized by alleged examination irregularities. He urged the Union government to respond promptly to the concerns raised by students and protesters and ensure a transparent and fair examination system.
Mahto also appealed to young people, particularly students from Jharkhand, to support initiatives aimed at bringing greater accountability and credibility to competitive examinations.
“People like Sonam Wangchuk are fighting not only for one region but for the future of the country’s youth,” Mahto said, adding that the government should seriously consider the demands being raised by the protesters.
Wangchuk, who joined the agitation on June 28, has continued his fast despite reports of deteriorating health. His supporters claim that his condition has weakened during the prolonged hunger strike, but he remains determined to continue the protest until the issues are addressed.
The ongoing agitation has drawn attention to concerns over alleged examination paper leaks, reforms in the functioning of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and broader education policy issues. Wangchuk has also linked the movement with demands for constitutional safeguards, environmental protection and sustainable development in Ladakh.
Mahto’s visit is being seen as a significant political gesture of support for student and youth-related issues, which have consistently featured prominently in his public campaigns and political agenda in Jharkhand.
