When Sonam Wangchuk sat on a 26-day hunger strike in New Delhi, his central demand was accountability over major competitive examination paper leaks and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
His protest was projected as an act of solidarity with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), making him one of the most recognizable faces associated with the agitation.
However, in the aftermath of the political developments, a striking narrative has emerged.
While Abhijeet Dipke of the CJP is being widely celebrated by supporters as the face of the movement, many observers feel that Wangchuk's prolonged fast and personal sacrifice have quietly faded into the background.
Whether one agrees with Wangchuk's politics or not, a 26-day hunger strike is no ordinary protest. Such a sacrifice carries physical and emotional costs.
Yet, the spotlight appears to have shifted entirely toward younger leaders, leaving little room to acknowledge those who stood beside them when the movement needed credibility.
This also exposes what critics describe as a growing trend in youth-driven political movements. The emphasis is increasingly on promoting fresh faces, while senior activists and established personalities are quickly pushed aside once their immediate purpose is served.
Recognition is reserved for the new generation, while those who helped amplify the cause are conveniently forgotten.
Several politicians and senior actors are also trying to associate themselves with the CJP, hoping to gain visibility and eventually political power if the regime changes. But if the current trend is any indication, they may be misreading the movement.
The CJP's supporters appear more interested in building their own young leadership than in elevating old faces or established political figures.
If this perception continues to grow, many may conclude that in this movement, sacrifice alone does not guarantee recognition.
Visibility belongs to those who fit the preferred narrative, while everyone else, regardless of their contribution, risks being quietly written out of the story.
