Protest – Opposition Leaders Accuse Centre of Curbing Sonam Wangchuk’s Peaceful Campaign
Protest –Opposition parties intensified their criticism of the Centre on Saturday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to a Delhi hospital during his prolonged hunger strike, with leaders alleging that the government’s response was aimed at preventing a planned march to Parliament.
Opposition Questions Change in Delhi Police Leadership
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the appointment of a new Delhi Police Commissioner was linked to the government’s handling of Wangchuk’s protest. His remarks came a day after the Ministry of Home Affairs named senior IPS officer Anurag Kumar as the new Delhi Police Commissioner, replacing Satish Golcha.
In a video statement, Singh claimed Prime Minister Narendra Modi anticipated that Wangchuk’s campaign would gather wider public support ahead of the proposed Parliament march scheduled for July 20. According to Singh, the administrative change was intended to facilitate police action against the activist, an allegation for which there has been no official confirmation.
Hunger Strike Becomes Political Flashpoint
Wangchuk, 59, has been observing a hunger strike for 21 days while demanding accountability over alleged examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak controversy. Singh said the activist was raising concerns shared by millions of young people affected by recruitment and examination controversies across the country.
The AAP leader also questioned the government’s response, alleging that no senior representative had engaged with Wangchuk despite the length of his fast. He appealed to students and young citizens to continue supporting what he described as a peaceful movement seeking accountability.
Hospitalisation Sparks Fresh Debate
The political controversy intensified after Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital in Delhi on Saturday morning. According to official information, he remains conscious, his vital signs are stable, and he has been admitted to the emergency ward where doctors are monitoring his condition.
Delhi Police stated that the decision to move Wangchuk to the hospital followed medical advice and was carried out in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. Officials said the activist’s health had deteriorated, making medical intervention necessary.
Police further stated that while some protesters attempted to prevent the transfer, officers exercised maximum restraint during the operation. DCP New Delhi Sachin Sharma later confirmed that Wangchuk had been admitted to a government hospital and continues to remain under medical supervision.
Opposition Leaders Criticise Police Action
Several Opposition leaders strongly criticised the police action, arguing that peaceful demonstrations should not be disrupted. Besides Sanjay Singh, AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the government of suppressing democratic protests.
Samajwadi Party spokesperson Dr. Ashutosh Verma also questioned why no government representative had met Wangchuk during his extended hunger strike. He alleged that removing the activist shortly before the planned July 20 march reflected concern within the government over the growing support for the campaign.
Leaders from other Opposition parties, including Trinamool Congress’s Sagarika Ghose and Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav, also criticised the handling of the protest.
Protest Organisers Make Fresh Allegations
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), alleged that police forcibly removed Wangchuk and claimed he was assaulted while attempting to reach the protest venue. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das further alleged that police stopped Dipke and used force against students present at the protest site.
There was no immediate official response to these specific allegations from the authorities.
CJP members maintained that Wangchuk’s removal would not halt the movement and said supporters would continue with their planned march towards Parliament on July 20. The organisation also renewed its demand for the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, expanding its earlier demand seeking the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
High Court Monitoring Health Situation
The developments come after the Delhi High Court directed authorities on Thursday to monitor Wangchuk’s health every day and ensure that any necessary medical treatment is provided without delay. The activist has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged nationwide examination irregularities, including the NEET paper leak issue.