Sonia Gandhi expressed support for Sonam Wangchuk’s hunger strike and recalled how former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi persuaded his father, Sonam Wangyal
July 17, 2026: Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson Sonia Gandhi has expressed support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike while recalling a chapter from Ladakh’s political history involving former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Wangchuk’s father, Sonam Wangyal. According to Congress sources, Sonia Gandhi told party leaders during a meeting ahead of the Monsoon Session that Indira Gandhi had travelled to Leh in 1984 to persuade Wangyal to end his hunger strike demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Ladakh. Following her remarks, Congress leader Pawan Khera met Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar, urging him to end his fast while assuring him of the party’s support.
Sonia Gandhi’s remarks drew attention to the parallel between father and son, who both chose hunger strikes as a form of peaceful protest more than four decades apart. While Sonam Wangyal campaigned for constitutional recognition and ST status for Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk is currently leading a movement demanding education reforms, while continuing to advocate for environmental protection and constitutional safeguards for the region. Although Indira Gandhi’s intervention reportedly ended Wangyal’s fast, the demand for ST status was not immediately fulfilled.
The Congress also highlighted its engagement with Ladakh during the UPA government under former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Between 2004 and 2014, the Centre continued discussions with regional political groups through the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils. However, organisations such as the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) continued pressing for Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, a demand that remained unresolved during the UPA’s tenure.