Anna Hazare Calls for Dialogue, Warns Centre Against Escalating Standoff with Sonam Wangchuk

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare on Tuesday urged the Centre to open a dialogue with activist Sonam Wangchuk, cautioning that the government should not “test his limits” amid the ongoing protests linked to the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP).

“The government should not test Sonam Wangchuk's limits. It can say yes or no to his demands, but what is wrong in holding discussions?” Hazare said, stressing that dialogue remains the most appropriate way to address public grievances in a democracy.

Expressing concern over the handling of the protests, Hazare criticised the reported police action against students and protesters, saying democratic dissent should be met with engagement rather than force. He said governments have a responsibility to listen to citizens, particularly young people raising issues of public concern.

Hazare also warned against delaying discussions, arguing that prolonged silence could deepen public dissatisfaction. Referring to Wangchuk's continued protest, he said the Centre should not wait for the situation to worsen before initiating talks.

The remarks come amid heightened political attention over the CJP-led demonstrations, which have drawn reactions from opposition leaders and civil society groups. While critics have questioned the police response, the government has maintained that security measures were taken to preserve public order.

Hazare's intervention adds to the calls for a negotiated resolution, with the veteran activist reiterating that dialogue—not confrontation—is the cornerstone of a healthy democracy.