Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Lok Sabha and senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from his indefinite hunger strike at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, and accused the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi-led government of trying to suppress peaceful protests.
Penning down his critique of the Centre on ‘X,’ he said the foundation of the Modi government was based on ‘Asatya’ (falsehood) and ‘Hinsa’ (violence), while terming the shifting of Wangchuk to hospital during his strike ‘wrong.’ Linking the protest to wider concerns among students, the Congress leader elaborated on issues such as paper leaks, increasing education costs and student suicides as some of the major challenges in the country.
He further asserted that ‘no amount of force’ could prevent India’s students or those voicing their concerns from raising their voices, signaling the Congress party’s backing for Wangchuk protest.
Delhi Police defend action, cite health concerns
On Saturday morning, Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after police officials cited concerns over his deteriorating health during his 21-day hunger strike. Delhi Police officials said the action was taken after directives were issued by the Delhi High Court (HC) and on the basis of expert medical advice.
They added that some protestors tried to obstruct the process, which led to a brief commotion, but claimed that the cops exercised maximum restraint and managed to complete the operation.
Delhi Police
CJP accuses cops of removing Wangchuk forcefully
However, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) refuted the police’s claims, alleging that Wangchuk had been ‘forcefully abducted’ without his consent or approval from his family. The party claimed there was no major deterioration in Wangchuk’s health on Saturday and accused authorities of attempting to weaken the protest movement ahead of the July 20 march to the Parliament.
CJP’s Chief spokesperson Saurav Das questioned the claim that the Delhi HC had directed Wangchuk’s forcible removal, arguing that it had only emphasised medical care if required. He also raised questions over the medical assessment preceding the hospitalisation, alleging that no doctor examined Wangchuk immediately before he was escorted to the hospital. The party claimed the move was aimed at curbing a protest which had been gaining public attention.
Wangchuk’s wife says Parliament march will continue
Meanwhile, Wangchuk’s wife Gitanjali J. Angmo said the planned march to Parliament on July 20 would proceed despite his admission to the hospital. She said Wangchuk remained on hunger strike and that the protest would continue even if he was unable to participate in person.
Gitanjali J. Angmo
She said, “I will represent him and lead the march if he is not able to participate. It will happen on Monday as planned. Bringing Sonam here forcibly cannot stop it.”