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NewDelhi: A fresh political row has erupted after climate activist Sonam Wangchuk was shifted from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital during the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi strongly criticised the Centre, alleging that the government had acted against a peaceful democratic protest and was attempting to suppress voices demanding accountability.
Taking to social media platform X, Rahul Gandhi described Wangchuk’s removal as “wrong” and accused the Narendra Modi-led government of abandoning the values of truth and non-violence. Reaffirming the Congress party’s support for the ongoing protest, he said issues such as alleged NEET examination irregularities, repeated paper leaks, the rising cost of education and increasing student suicides continue to trouble the country’s youth. He asserted that no amount of force could silence students or those standing with them.
Delhi Police, however, maintained that Wangchuk was moved to Safdarjung Hospital after his health deteriorated due to the prolonged hunger strike. According to an official statement, the decision was taken following medical advice and in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court. The police also said that while officers were carrying out the transfer, a section of protesters attempted to obstruct the process, resulting in a brief commotion before Wangchuk was safely taken to the hospital.
The organisation leading the protest, CJP, rejected the police’s version of events, alleging that Wangchuk was forcibly removed without his or his family’s consent. The group claimed his health was stable and argued that the High Court had not authorised any forced removal from the protest site. It further alleged that the action was aimed at disrupting the movement ahead of its proposed “Chalo Sansad” march scheduled for July 20.
Wangchuk has been on an indefinite hunger strike in support of the CJP-led campaign seeking accountability over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, the organisers have confirmed that their planned march to Parliament on July 20 will go ahead as scheduled.
With the Centre, Delhi Police and protest organisers presenting sharply different versions of the incident, Wangchuk’s removal has intensified the political debate, turning the protest into a major flashpoint over democratic rights, student concerns and the government’s handling of dissent.
