Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Jul 18: The Congress on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the Union government following the police action surrounding climate activist Sonam Wangchuk’s hospitalisation from Delhi’s Jantar Mantar, accusing the Centre of suppressing the constitutional right to peaceful protest.
Congress leader Pawan Khera alleged that the Narendra Modi-led NDA government was treating democratic demonstrations as law-and-order issues rather than respecting citizens' constitutional freedoms. He also questioned the functioning of the Union Home Ministry, under whose jurisdiction the Delhi Police operates.
Taking to social media platform X, Khera said the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to dissent, but claimed the Home Ministry appeared determined to undermine that right.
Referring to the recent appointment of Delhi’s new Police Commissioner, Khera remarked that if the police action against protesters was among his first assignments, it reflected a worrying trend where political directives were being prioritised over constitutional responsibilities.
The Congress spokesperson further accused the Centre of repeatedly cracking down on peaceful protests, citing earlier incidents involving women wrestlers and former servicemen. According to him, such actions reflected a pattern of disregard for democratic values and constitutional protections.
Khera alleged that the government's approach indicated it viewed peaceful demonstrations not as a legitimate democratic expression but as disturbances to be controlled. He concluded by stating that it was unfortunate that the world's largest democracy was, in his words, being governed in an undemocratic manner.
His remarks came shortly after Sonam Wangchuk, who had been observing a 21-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar, was admitted to a hospital early Saturday after his health reportedly deteriorated.
The Delhi Police said the decision was taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court and based on medical advice recommending immediate treatment.
In a statement posted on X, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) said Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital after medical experts expressed concern over his declining health and advised urgent medical care.
Police also stated that while implementing the High Court's directions, some protesters attempted to obstruct the process, leading to minor commotion. However, officers exercised maximum restraint and completed the transfer safely.
The police further appealed to those continuing the protest at Jantar Mantar to vacate the venue peacefully at the earliest.
The demonstration has been organised by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET examination paper leak controversy.
Several Opposition leaders, including Pawan Khera, had met Wangchuk during his fast and appealed to him to end the hunger strike due to concerns about his worsening health.
Before being hospitalised, Wangchuk had announced a march from Jantar Mantar to Parliament House on July 20, coinciding with the opening day of the Monsoon Session, to press for Pradhan's resignation over the alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.