Sonam Wangchuk Removed from Protest Site; Opposition Accuses Centre of Suppressing Dissent

New Delhi: Activist Sonam Wangchuk was removed from his protest site at Jantar Mantar early Saturday morning, triggering criticism from opposition leaders who accused the central government of suppressing dissent. Wangchuk, on hunger strike since June 28, demands reforms in the examination system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The removal took place days before a proposed march to Parliament on July 22, the first day of the Monsoon Session. Delhi Police officials confirmed the action, stating it was taken to maintain public order, but did not provide further details.

Opposition leaders across party lines condemned the move. Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal said the government should have engaged in dialogue instead of using force. “Such arrogance is not right. Instead of forcibly lifting him, the Modi government should have talked to Sonam Wangchuk,” he alleged.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray termed the removal a shame and an assault on democracy. “What a shame! The world watches democracy in India being broken by force, shamelessly. Even peaceful protests for students against an incompetent minister are not tolerated anymore,” he said.

Congress MP Pawan Khera argued that the right to dissent is guaranteed by the Constitution, alleging that the Ministry of Home Affairs, led by Amit Shah, “appears determined to deny it.” He claimed the Delhi Police, which reports to the Home Ministry, acted against constitutional duty. Khera also accused the government of viewing protests as “a law-and-order problem to be crushed,” calling the BJP “the most anti-democratic political party of the world.”

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav demanded that Wangchuk’s medical treatment be conducted under judicial oversight. Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital after his removal. Yadav alleged that the BJP engaged in “repressive politics” and had never believed in Gandhian methods of peaceful dissent. “The BJP’s negative ideology is one of ‘conflict’, not dialogue,” he said.

As of press time, the central government and the BJP had not issued an official response to the allegations. Wangchuk’s protest has drawn attention to issues in the education system, with supporters calling for systemic reforms.