Archive · 18 Jul 2026
Anna Hazare and Sonam Wangchuk: Two Fasts, Different Eras
Anna Hazare and Sonam Wangchuk both went on hunger strikes to protest against the government.
Anna did this in 2011 and wanted a new law to stop corruption.
Many people and groups supported him, and the government agreed to his demands.
Sonam is doing this now and wants the Education Minister to be removed.
But unlike Anna, Sonam doesn't have much support.
The article says that India's democracy is not as loud and active as it was during Anna's time.
It asks if people are still willing to speak up and challenge the government.
Anna Hazare's 2011 hunger strikes led to government agreement on anti-corruption measures.
Sonam Wangchuk's current fast demands removal of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Anna's movement had widespread support from media, celebrities, and political groups like the BJP and RSS.
Sonam's fast lacks significant opposition support due to divided politics and lack of cohesive strategy.
Media attention and public engagement are notably lower during Sonam's fast compared to Anna's.
- Who
- Anna Hazare and Sonam Wangchuk
- What
- Hunger strikes against government policies
- When
- Anna in 2011, Sonam ongoing
- Where
- India
- Why
- Anna for anti-corruption measures, Sonam for removal of Education Minister
- Anna Hazare's First Fast
- April 5-9, 2011
- Anna Hazare's Second Fast
- August 16-28, 2011
- Anna Hazare's Demand
- Independent Lokpal Bill
- Sonam Wangchuk's Demand
- Removal of Dharmendra Pradhan
- Anna Hazare's Supporters
- RSS, BJP, Medha Patkar, Yogendra Yadav, Prashant Bhushan
- Sonam Wangchuk's Supporters
- None significant
- Media Attention
- High during Anna's fast, low during Wangchuk's
- Political Climate
- Divided opposition, lack of cohesive strategy