Climate activist and innovator Sonam Wangchuk has appealed for wider public support ahead of the planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20, describing the ongoing agitation as India’s “second freedom movement.”

A handwritten note, shared by his wife from Safdarjung Hospital, carried Wangchuk’s message while he remains under medical supervision after continuing his indefinite hunger strike for 22 days.

In the note, Wangchuk wrote, “The second movement for independence; India free from fear, India free from injustice.”

The activist has also urged more people to participate in Monday’s march to Parliament. Alongside the protest, Wangchuk has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and called for accountability over recent examination controversies, including the alleged NEET UG paper leak.

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Shifted to Safdarjung Hospital amid legal intervention

On Saturday, Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor his health as his fast continued.

However, the circumstances surrounding his transfer have triggered fresh controversy. Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke alleged that Wangchuk was forcibly shifted to the hospital and claimed the activist was assaulted during the process.

Dipke, who returned from Boston last month, has also begun an indefinite hunger strike. He has joined the campaign demanding accountability from the BJP-led government over issues related to the education system.

‘Chalo Sansad’ march faces police objection

The Cockroach Janta Party has called on supporters and citizens to participate in the ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament on July 20. The demonstration is part of the group’s campaign seeking the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan and reforms aimed at improving India’s education system.

Ahead of the proposed march, Delhi Police said protesters would not be allowed to proceed towards the Parliament complex, stating that the demonstration does not have the required permission.

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A senior police officer familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times, “CJP spokesperson Abhijeet Dipke has never informed us or applied for permission for the Sansad Chalo march. It’s a completely illegal protest because they only had permission for one day. We even made them sign undertakings. Now, they have extended it without any permission. Also, for the march, we only approached them but they have not even applied for a permission.”

CJP, however, rejected the police’s version of events. Party spokesperson Vaishnavi Gaur maintained that the organisation had sought permission for the march and that the authorities had been informed about the proposed protest.

FAQs:

Why is Sonam Wangchuk calling his protest India’s ‘2nd freedom movement’?

Wangchuk says the movement seeks an India “free from fear” and “free from injustice” while urging citizens to join the Sansad march.

Why was Sonam Wangchuk shifted to Safdarjung Hospital

Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital after the Delhi High Court directed authorities to monitor his health during his ongoing indefinite hunger strike.