Maharashtra leader Aaditya Thackeray backs hunger‑striking activist Sonam Wangchuk, slams BJP’s youth policies

Mumbai — On Thursday, Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) leader Aaditya Thackeray publicly voiced support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike to draw attention to environmental and youth‑related issues. Thackeray warned that the central government, led by the BJP, appears indifferent to the aspirations and health of India’s younger generation. He urged the authorities to engage with Wangchuk’s demands and to ensure the activist receives appropriate medical care, noting that the strike has raised concerns about his wellbeing.

The statement, released ahead of a meeting in Maharashtra, highlighted the growing political discourse around climate activism and the role of youth movements in the country. While Wangchuk’s exact demands were not detailed in the briefing, Thackeray’s remarks underscore a broader criticism leveled by opposition parties against the ruling coalition’s perceived lack of outreach to emerging leaders.

For the diaspora, the episode illustrates how regional politicians are aligning with national‑level activists, potentially reshaping the conversation on environmental policy and youth participation in India’s democratic process.