New Delhi: Google search interest in Sonam Wangchuk is highest in Arunachal Pradesh. According to a Google Trends analysis shared by India in Pixels, Arunachal Pradesh topped searches for Wangchuk between 11 and 18 July, with a score of 100.
Sikkim followed with a score of 80, while Delhi recorded 69. Uttar Pradesh was at 50, Maharashtra and Uttarakhand were at 52 each, Assam was at 52, Nagaland was at 55, and Manipur was at 46. At the other end of the spectrum, Lakshadweep registered a score of zero.
These figures are relative search-interest scores, meaning 100 represents the state with the highest proportion of searches during the period, and other states are measured against it.
The data comes as concerns grow over Wangchuk’s health after more than 21 days without food. On Saturday morning, Delhi Police shifted him from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital after his condition deteriorated. It said the move was made on the advice of doctors and in compliance with a Delhi High Court directive. Supporters, however, alleged that police took him away against his wishes. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said Wangchuk has not eaten since beginning his fast and will continue his hunger strike from the hospital.
Regional differences
The 59-year-old engineer, education reformer and environmentalist joined a youth-led protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on 28 June, demanding accountability over repeated examination paper leaks and wider reforms in India’s education system.
The Google Trends map shows clear regional differences in online attention. While several northeastern states and Delhi recorded relatively high interest, many southern states registered much lower scores. Andhra Pradesh recorded 15, Tamil Nadu 17 and Kerala 16.
The data provides only a snapshot of online search behaviour. It does not measure public opinion or support. It simply shows where people searched most actively for information about Wangchuk during that week.
(Edited by Theres Sudeep)