Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Saturday criticised the Narendra Modi government over the removal of activist Sonam Wangchuk from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, where he had been observing a hunger strike. Calling the action “wrong”, Gandhi accused the Centre of trying to silence peaceful protests and expressed support for Wangchuk’s campaign.

In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the government’s guiding principles were “Asatya” and “Hinsa”. Referring to Wangchuk’s removal while he was on a non-violent fast, he wrote that such action against a peaceful protest was unacceptable.

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He also connected the issue to the concerns of students across the country, saying paper leaks, the increasing cost of education and student suicides remain among India’s biggest challenges. Stressing that these concerns cannot be ignored, Gandhi said, “No amount of force can stop India’s students, or those standing with them, from raising these issues.”

Delhi Police says hospital shift followed high court directions

Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital on the morning of July 18. According to the Delhi Police, the decision was taken after medical experts advised hospitalisation due to his worsening health and in line with directions issued by the Delhi High Court.

In an official statement, the police said, “As per high court orders and on expert medical advice, due to the deteriorating health condition of Sonam Wangchuk, he has been shifted to the hospital for essential medical care. While complying with the high court orders, the protestors tried to create an obstruction, during which a slight commotion ensued. However, police kept maximum restraint and undertook the exercise safely.”

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CJP rejects police version, calls it ‘kidnapping’

The Citizens’ Joint Platform (CJP), which is backing the protest, has strongly disputed the police’s account. The organisation said Wangchuk’s condition had not significantly worsened on the 21st day of his hunger strike and alleged that he was taken away without consent.

In a social media post, the CJP described the incident as a “kidnapping” and claimed Wangchuk was “forcefully abducted” without his or his family’s approval, just two days before the group’s planned march to Parliament.

CJP chief spokesperson Saurav Das also questioned the legality of the move. He argued that the Delhi High Court had not directed the authorities to forcibly remove Wangchuk and claimed no doctor examined him immediately before he was shifted. Das further alleged that the action was aimed at preventing a protest that had been gaining momentum.

Wife says parliament march will continue

Gitanjali J Angmo, Wangchuk’s wife, said her husband continues to remain on hunger strike despite being admitted to hospital. She also confirmed that the march to Parliament scheduled for July 20 will go ahead as planned.

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“Even if Sonam can’t join the march, I will represent him and lead that march, and it will happen on Monday as planned. It’s not that just because they’ve forcibly brought Sonam here, they can stop it,” she said.

FAQs:

Why did Rahul Gandhi criticise the Modi government over Sonam Wangchuk?

Rahul Gandhi called Sonam Wangchuk’s removal from Jantar Mantar “wrong” and accused the Modi government of suppressing a peaceful protest.

Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital?

Delhi Police said Wangchuk was shifted on medical advice and in compliance with the Delhi High Court’s directions after his health deteriorated.