Rahul Gandhi Condemns Wangchuk's Removal from Protest

Rahul Says Centre Follows Asatya And Hinsa

Rahul Gandhi's remarks come several hours after Wangchuk was removed from the site and admitted to Safdarjung Hospital for observation, as his hunger strike enters day 21.

Condemning the police action, Rahul said, “The core tenets of the Modi government are Asatya and Hinsa. The removal of Sonam Wangchuk ji from Jantar Mantar while he was on a non-violent hunger strike is wrong. Paper leaks, the rising cost of education, and student suicides are critical issues for India’s future. No amount of force can deter India’s students, and those of us who love and believe in them, from raising these issues” on social media platform X.

Congress Reiterates Support Amid Health Concerns

Earlier this week, Congress had officially extended its support to Wangchuk’s protest. On Thursday, Congress general secretary (organisation) KC Venugopal requested Wangchuk to break his fast in view of his deteriorating health and promised the party’s continuous demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

On Friday, Congress leader Pawan Khera had met Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar and expressed concerns over his health, asserting that the Centre was unmoved by democratic protests.

Dipke Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike

Wangchuk was removed from Jantar Mantar, just over two days ahead of a planned march to Parliament on the first day of the Monsoon Session on Monday. According to reports from the ground, a few plain-clothed police officers descended the stage at Jantar Mantar, covered Wangchuk with a white sheet and carried him away in a quick operation.

Post the incident, the founder of Cockroach Janta Party, Abhijeet Dipke returned to the protest site claiming to have been assaulted and detained by the Delhi Police. He also announced an indefinite hunger strike and stated he was denied entry to the protest site. 

Delhi Police Cite Deteriorating Health Condition

Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Sachin Sharma said Wangchuk was admitted to a hospital after his health deteriorated and received the necessary medical treatment. He said the operation was completed with the use of maximum restraint even as some protesters tried to impede the process.

According to the hospital authorities, despite signs of dehydration and metabolic abnormalities, Wangchuk has refused oral rehydration solution, intravenous fluids, and other medications. At the time of his admission, Wangchuk was conscious with stable vital parameters including blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation.