The hospitalisation of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk after more than three weeks of fasting has triggered a fresh political confrontation, with Opposition parties accusing the Centre and Delhi Police of suppressing democratic protests instead of engaging with the concerns raised by demonstrators.
Wangchuk was shifted from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital after doctors reportedly advised immediate medical care due to his deteriorating health. The move prompted strong reactions from leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), who questioned the manner in which the operation was carried out.
AAP Targets Centre Over Police Action
Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia alleged that the government was attempting to silence voices demanding accountability over the alleged examination paper leak controversy.
In a post on X, Sisodia claimed that instead of responding to public concerns, authorities had chosen to act against those protesting peacefully.
He alleged that the government’s response reflected an attempt to curb dissent rather than address issues affecting students across the country.
Sanjay Singh Questions Handling Of Protest
AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh also criticised the police action, claiming Wangchuk was removed from the protest site after remaining on an indefinite hunger strike for 21 days.
According to Singh, the administration should have addressed the demands raised by protesters instead of resorting to force. He accused the government of misusing its authority against citizens engaged in peaceful demonstrations.
Saurabh Bharadwaj Alleges Attempt To Block Cameras
AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj raised questions about the conduct of the police during the operation.
He alleged that personnel in plain clothes entered the protest venue and used white sheets to obstruct camera views while Wangchuk was being shifted. Bharadwaj claimed the move was intended to prevent visual documentation of the police action and any alleged manhandling of protesters.
Hospitalisation Sparks Political Debate
The transfer of Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital has intensified the ongoing political debate surrounding his hunger strike, which has focused on demands linked to alleged irregularities in competitive examinations.
While police have maintained that the activist was shifted solely on medical grounds following doctors’ advice and court directions, Opposition parties continue to question the handling of the protest and have accused the government of suppressing democratic voices.
1. Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital?
According to Delhi Police and medical authorities, he was shifted after doctors advised hospitalisation due to his deteriorating health following a prolonged hunger strike.
2. Why are Opposition leaders criticising the government?
AAP leaders alleged that the Centre and Delhi Police acted to suppress a peaceful protest instead of addressing the concerns raised by demonstrators.
3. What did Manish Sisodia say?
Sisodia alleged that the government was trying to silence those raising questions about alleged examination paper leaks rather than resolving the issue.
4. What allegation did Sanjay Singh make?
He claimed Wangchuk was forcibly removed from the protest site despite peacefully observing a 21-day hunger strike.
5. What did Saurabh Bharadwaj allege?
Bharadwaj alleged that police personnel used plain clothes and blocked cameras with white sheets during the operation to prevent recording of the incident.
6. What is the official position of Delhi Police?
Delhi Police have stated that Wangchuk was shifted for essential medical treatment based on doctors’ recommendations and in compliance with court directions.
