CJP netas not saints... nothing wrong in having political ambitions: Wangchuk - The Times of India

**Sonam Wangchuk on CJP Leaders’ Political Ambitions**

New Delhi – In an interview with *The Times of India*, Sonam Wangchuk, the Ladakh‑born engineer‑activist who has become a prominent voice behind the recent “CJP” protest movement, said that the movement’s senior figures are “not saints” and that having political ambitions is not inherently wrong. Wangchuk, who has been on a fast‑unto‑death since early July, argued that the demand for honest leadership is a legitimate political objective, not a betrayal of the movement’s original goals. He added that the pressure to end the protest intensified after the July 20 police crackdown, which saw dozens of demonstrators arrested and several injured.

Wangchuk further disclosed that senior CJP leaders had approached senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi in an effort to persuade him to intervene and bring an end to the fast. According to the activist, Gandhi’s team was asked to act as a neutral mediator, a move that “raised eyebrows” among many supporters who feared co‑optation by mainstream parties. The *Hindustan Times* reported that CJP founders admitted to wanting to wind down the protest, citing concerns that prolonged agitation could erode public sympathy. Yet, they insisted that their broader aim remains a transition toward “honest leaders” who can drive a “better future” for the nation.

The revelations have sparked a fresh debate about the intersection of civil dissent and partisan politics. Critics, including the editorial board of *The Guardian*, warned that the involvement of established politicians could dilute the movement’s grassroots ethos, while supporters argue that political engagement is essential for translating protest demands into policy change. As the hunger striker continues his fast, the CJP’s next steps remain uncertain, but Wangchuk’s statements underline a growing recognition that activism and political ambition often walk hand‑in‑hand in India’s volatile democratic landscape.