Activist Sonam Wangchuk rejected allegations about his association with the CJP movement. He also denied claims regarding foreign connections of the movement.
Wangchuk explained that he supported the movement after studying ground realities. Additionally, he reviewed available data and spoke with movement members before taking his decision.
During a podcast with Prakhar Gupta, Wangchuk discussed questions about CJP funding and foreign links. The host jokingly asked whether Wangchuk worked with the CIA.
Wangchuk laughed and replied that he did not know about such a connection. He added humorously that any secret recruitment process could remain unknown for centuries.
Wangchuk explains his data-based decision
Sonam Wangchuk became a major part of CJP-led protests at Jantar Mantar. The demonstrations started in June over examination irregularity issues.
Later, in July, the then Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned after these protests. Wangchuk also held an indefinite hunger strike to support protesters.
Regarding claims about CJP founder Abhijeet Deepke’s background and alleged links with Pakistan, Bangladesh and America, Wangchuk shared his views. He said he did not conduct research like a major investigation agency.
However, he confirmed that his decision relied on available data. Wangchuk said several officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, claimed foreign support for the movement.
After checking social media follower data, he found 94% followers belonged to India. Only 6% followers came from foreign countries.
Foreign followers did not raise concerns
Wangchuk said 6% foreign followers did not create any concern. According to him, the situation would have worried him if the number reached 30%.
Furthermore, he said Indian supporters and ground conditions showed nothing suspicious. After speaking with movement members, he did not feel they worked for foreign forces.
Wangchuk added that people might question the lifestyle or past jobs of young protesters. However, he said they were not acting under instructions from foreign powers.
Reason behind supporting the movement
Wangchuk said he decided to support the movement after becoming confident about its intentions. He mentioned that protesters feared arrest after reaching Delhi.
Therefore, he told them that he would join their cause. He also promised to begin a hunger strike if authorities arrested them.
Wangchuk said he supported the movement because he trusted there was nothing wrong. Moreover, he remained open to further investigation.
He added that he still believed movement members did not receive money from any external force.
