Wangchuks removal from Jantar Mantar prompts opposition parties to accuse the Centre of suppressing democratic rights

Leaders of key opposition parties, including the Congress, have strongly criticized the central government for removing education expert and rights activist Sonam Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar on Saturday, calling the action a symbol of the trend to suppress democratic rights.

Meanwhile, the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the center, while strongly criticizing the opposition parties over Wangchuk's health issue, asked if the opposition only wanted to keep the political spectacle alive by worsening his condition? Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge said the incident at Jantar Mantar was another black spot on democracy and the Constitution. He alleged that the government had consistently turned a deaf ear to the voices of various sections, including farmers, women wrestlers, Dalits-tribals, and students affected by the paper leak. He emphasized that the trend of suppressing democratic protests was alarming.

Former Congress President and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, while condemning the government's decision to remove Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar and admit him to a hospital, said that a government based on 'lies and violence' always takes wrong decisions. He said Mr. Wangchuk was on a peaceful hunger strike on public interest issues, but the government took a wrong step by removing him from Jantar Mantar. The paper leak, rising cost of education, and student suicides are serious issues related to the country's future, which cannot be suppressed by the use of force. 'The voice of the students' will continue to raise their voice through the campaign, and no power can stop them.

Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav said, "The news of Sonam Wangchuk being forcibly removed from his hunger strike site using force is highly condemnable. This morning's incident has spread across the country and the world in no time. There is deep concern and anger against the BJP government across the country and the world regarding Sonam Wangchuk. Those who secretly carried out this action in plain clothes should be identified."

Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader and MP Sanjay Singh alleged that the government was scared of the proposed Parliament march on July 20 and therefore, the police forcibly sent Wangchuk to the hospital. He claimed that the police also lathi-charged the protesters to suppress the movement. He said Wangchuk was raising his voice for the issues of public interest, but no government representative came to talk to him for 20 days. Industrialist Robert Vadra said that removing Wangchuk from the protest site and taking him to the hospital amid his deteriorating health raises several serious questions. In a democracy, the public's voice is not suppressed, but heard with negotiation and sensitivity. He appealed to the government to seriously consider Mr. Wangchuk's demands and find a dignified and peaceful solution.

Amidst the allegations of opposition leaders, Amit Malviya, head of the BJP's IT cell, wrote on social media platform X, "Mr. Wangchuk's initial medical report is now in the public domain, which states that the medical examination was done with his consent, so what is the anger about? After the Delhi High Court's directions, the authorities admitted him to the hospital to help him recover after his health deteriorated during the hunger strike." He asked, "Does the opposition only want to keep the political spectacle alive by worsening his condition? Providing timely medical care is a responsible step, not a subject of manufactured controversy."

It is clear that Wangchuk was taken by the Delhi Police from Jantar Mantar to the Vardhman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) and Safdarjung Hospital this morning. Doctors said that due to 20 days of hunger strike, symptoms of dehydration and low potassium were found in his body. He has refused to take medicines, including IV fluids, ORS, and other medicines. According to doctors, his condition is stable and he is being continuously monitored.