Gitanjali Angmo Slams BJP and Congress Over Political Targeting, Says 'Different Flags, Same Playbook'

Gitanjali Angmo, founder and CEO of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives Ladakh (HIAL) and wife of activist Sonam Wangchuk, has strongly criticised both the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress for allegedly "demonising" them whenever they express political dissent. Her remarks come in the wake of recent high-profile student demonstrations in New Delhi over examination irregularities.

Allegations Against Both Major Parties

Angmo asserted that political opponents routinely resort to hostile labelling depending on the context of their criticism. She pointed out that when Sonam Wangchuk was detained following protests in Ladakh, ruling party supporters labelled him anti-national. Conversely, she noted that recent criticism of Congress demonstrations has drawn counter-accusations from opposition circles. Sonam Wangchuk’s Wife Gitanjali Angmo Defends Him After 26-Day Hunger Strike Ends, Urges Critics To ‘Have a Heart’.

India Needs More Than Just a Change of Government, Says Gitanjali Angmo

When @Wangchuk66 was detained, the BJP IT cell called us anti-national, Chinese agents, foreign-funded, and every other label they could manufacture.

Today, because we called the Congress' protest at PM's residence insincere, Congress trolls are calling us Sanghis, RSS and BJP…

— Gitanjali J Angmo (@GitanjaliAngmo) July 27, 2026

"When @Wangchuk66 was detained, the BJP IT cell called us anti-national, Chinese agents, foreign-funded, and every other label they could manufacture," Angmo wrote in a public statement. "Today, because we called the Congress' protest at PM's residence insincere, Congress trolls are calling us Sanghis, RSS and BJP stooges. Different flags. Same playbook."

Calling for a structural shift in national politics, she added, "The rot has infected our entire political culture. India needs more than just a change of government. It needs a change in the very grammar of politics, where disagreement is met with dialogue, not demonisation; where patriotism is measured by integrity, not party affiliation; and where truth matters more than tribal loyalty."

Public Appearance After Hospital Discharge

Following their discharge from a hospital in Gurugram, Angmo and Wangchuk paid tribute at Rajghat in New Delhi. The appearance followed weeks of intense public agitation led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and student groups demanding accountability over NEET-UG paper leak irregularities. The widespread protests - which culminated in the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and subsequent withdrawal of protest-related legal cases by authorities - drew thousands of participants to the national capital. Sonam Wangchuk Discharged From Hospital, To Pay Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi Ji at Rajghat Before Returning to Ladakh (Video).

Wangchuk Advocates for Peaceful Democratic Expression

Addressing reporters following the conclusion of the demonstrations, Wangchuk praised the peaceful resolve of the youth and citizens who sustained the movement. "I wish to congratulate the youth, the common people, and all the citizens of this country. I also congratulate the elders, people of all ages, and the young organisers who carried this movement forward so peacefully," Wangchuk said. "We must understand that if any resolution or achievement has been reached, it was not through the strength of our arms, nor through the use of lathis or stones. Rather, it came about through our appeals for peace and the suffering we endured ourselves," he added.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 27, 2026 11:42 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).