Sonam Wangchuk calls for ‘second Independence movement’ to reform India’s politics

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk has called for a “peaceful revolution” in the way India chooses its political leaders, warning that major changes are necessary if the country is to remain a “respectable nation” by 2047. In a video message ahead of Independence Day, Wangchuk also pitched what he termed “India’s second Independence movement”, urging citizens to identify selfless and fearless people who could contribute to reshaping the country's political system and future.

Calls for political change

Wangchuk said India needed to reconsider how its leaders were selected and called for citizens to participate in finding people of “character and substance” who could provide a different kind of political leadership.

He said he wanted to consult some of the best minds across the country to discuss what needed to change and how such reforms could be achieved.

Wangchuk stressed that he was not looking only for intellectuals, but for people with integrity, courage and a willingness to work selflessly for the country. Sitting in Ladakh, he said he could not identify such individuals across India by himself and therefore sought suggestions from citizens in different regions.

Raises criminal cases

The activist also expressed concern about the number of elected representatives facing criminal cases.

Wangchuk claimed that close to half of India's MPs faced criminal cases and that about a third faced serious charges, including those relating to murder, rape and kidnapping.

He linked this situation to what he described as a growing “trust deficit” in the country and argued that reforms were needed in the political system.

His remarks placed the quality and integrity of political representation at the centre of his proposed movement.

Questions 2047 goal

Wangchuk also questioned whether India was progressing rapidly enough to achieve its ambitions by 2047, when the country will mark 100 years of Independence.

He compared India's economic progress with that of several neighbouring and Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh.

According to Wangchuk, countries that were once behind India or comparable to it had moved significantly ahead over the past five decades. He particularly referred to per capita GDP while expressing concern over India's trajectory.

He warned that if the trend continued, India could struggle to achieve its ambition of becoming a developed country by 2047.

Praises recent protests

Wangchuk also congratulated people who had participated in movements seeking change during the past two months.

He referred to recent protests and said the agitation had contributed to changes in the Union education ministry. His remarks came against the backdrop of nationwide student mobilisation over examinations and education-related issues.

The activist sought to present such mobilisation as an example of citizens peacefully demanding accountability and institutional reform.

‘Second Independence movement’

At the heart of Wangchuk's appeal was his call for what he described as a second Independence movement — not a violent uprising, but a citizen-driven effort aimed at improving political leadership and governance.

His emphasis was on peaceful democratic participation and finding credible people capable of entering public life.

Wangchuk said the initiative should bring together people from across India to brainstorm reforms rather than remain confined to a particular region or group.

The Independence Day message effectively broadens Wangchuk's public interventions beyond his longstanding campaigns on Ladakh, environmental protection and democratic safeguards.

By linking political reform with India's 2047 aspirations, Wangchuk has sought to frame the issue as a question about the kind of leadership the country will need over the next two decades.