On July 18, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge expressed his disapproval of the central government’s response to climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s situation at Jantar Mantar.
He accused the government of targeting dissenters, stating that no one has been spared, whether they are farmers, students, Dalits, Adivasis, or protesters raising issues of public interest. Kharge highlighted various individuals, including Prof. GD Agrawal, who undertook a hunger strike for 111 days to save the Ganges, and Haryana’s Olympic wrestlers, along with the 750 farmers, Dalits, Adivasis, and 25 children affected by a paper leak incident, emphasizing that this oppressive government has shown no mercy.
He further remarked that anyone who raises their voice is labeled as ‘anti-national’ or ‘parasite.’ Kharge described the events at Jantar Mantar as another dark mark on democracy and the constitution. He also mentioned the ‘Students’ Echo’ movement, indicating that its resonance has already begun in Kota and Dehradun and will undoubtedly reach Delhi. This statement followed the Delhi police’s transfer of Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital from the protest site due to concerns over his health after a prolonged hunger strike.
Dr. Charu Bamba, the medical superintendent at Safdarjung Hospital, reported that Wangchuk’s condition is stable, although he is experiencing mild dehydration and weakness due to fasting. She noted that he arrived at the hospital around 7:40 AM and is being closely monitored and treated for his condition.
The Delhi police confirmed that Wangchuk was moved based on directives from the Delhi High Court and medical advice, considering his deteriorating health. Police officials stated that utmost care was taken during this operation. Wangchuk has been on a hunger strike demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in examinations, including the NEET paper leak controversy. This police action has drawn criticism from opposition leaders, including those from Congress, the Aam Aadmi Party, the Samajwadi Party, and the Trinamool Congress.