New Delhi: A political controversy erupted on Saturday after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment after over 20 days of an indefinite hunger strike.
Opposition leaders criticized the Centre’s handling of the situation, while Delhi Police maintained that the move was carried out on medical advice and in compliance with court directions.
Opposition Leaders Criticise Center
Several opposition leaders accused the government of suppressing a peaceful protest.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the Center should have engaged in dialogue with Wangchuk instead of removing him from the protest site. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia alleged that the government was trying to silence voices demanding reforms in the examination system.
Samajwadi Party MP Dimple Yadav described the incident as an “attack on democracy,” while TMC MP Sagarika Ghose termed it “coercive state violence.” Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray, Congress MP Vivek Tankha, and other opposition leaders also questioned the government’s action.
“Wangchuk’s voice has been ignored, just as the voices of countless young Indians continue to be ignored. Public trust is earned through transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic rights – not by suppressing peaceful protests or refusing dialogue”, TMC Chief Mamata Banerjee said on X.
Delhi Police Cites Medical Advice
Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital following expert medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court after his health deteriorated due to his prolonged fast.
‘I’ve Been Beaten Up’: Abhijeet Dipke Alleges Assault, Says Wangchuk Taken To Hospital
Police denied allegations of lathi-charge, stating that although some protesters attempted to obstruct the transfer, officers exercised maximum restraint and completed the process peacefully.
CJP Vows to Continue Protest
Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke said the movement would continue despite Wangchuk’s hospitalization and reiterated plans for the proposed July 20 march to Parliament.
Meanwhile, Safdarjung Hospital said Wangchuk is conscious and stable but remains under continuous medical observation due to weakness and dehydration caused by prolonged fasting.
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