Opposition Unites Against Wangchuk’s Removal, Alleges Centre Is Stifling Dissent

New Delhi: Leaders from multiple opposition parties on Saturday condemned the forced removal of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site, accusing the BJP-led Central government of suppressing democratic rights and avoiding dialogue.

Wangchuk was on the 21st day of a hunger strike, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged failures in the education system, including NEET paper leaks. Delhi Police shifted him to Safdarjung Hospital, citing medical advice and orders from the Delhi High Court.

Rahul Gandhi: “Govt relies on falsehood and force”

Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said action against a non-violent protester was wrong. In his first comments on the agitation, he posted on X:

“The foundation of the Modi government is asatya and hinsa — falsehood and violence.”

He added that paper leaks, rising education costs and student suicides are serious issues for the country’s future. “No amount of force can stop students and those who support them from raising these concerns,” he said.

Kharge, Kanimozhi, Pawar slam Centre

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the government targets anyone who speaks up. He listed past protests by GD Agarwal, farmers, wrestlers and victims of exam leaks.

“This authoritarian government has not spared anyone… What happened at Jantar Mantar today is another stain on our democracy and Constitution,” he posted.

DMK MP Kanimozhi alleged Wangchuk was dragged and admitted to hospital against his will. She urged the Centre to hold a meaningful dialogue. “His concerns about the education system deserve a sincere response. He must be treated with dignity,” she said.

NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar said the government stayed away while opposition leaders visited the site. “The demands are genuine and aimed at improving education. Yet no government representative went there,” Pawar said in Baramati, adding that the issue will be raised in Parliament.

SP, TMC, Shiv Sena UBT, RJD join criticism

SP chief Akhilesh Yadav called it “repressive politics” and said the police action hurt India’s democratic image globally. “BJP does not believe in Gandhi or Gandhian methods. Its ideology is conflict, not conversation,” he posted. His wife and MP Dimple Yadav had met Wangchuk at the site on Thursday.

Akhilesh also demanded that Wangchuk’s treatment be done under “judicial supervision”, saying his life matters for democracy, environment and science.

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee said: “A government that sees dissent as a threat instead of a democratic duty cannot ask for trust while dodging accountability.”

RJD MP Manoj Jha alleged the government was more worried about its image than the protester’s health. “They forcibly removed him. There is no sensitivity left in this government,” he said.

Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray said the world is watching “democracy being broken by force.” “Even peaceful protests by students against an incompetent minister are not tolerated now,” he posted.

Left, Sibal, MNS weigh in

CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat called it an attempt to “bulldoze constitutional values” and a sign of dictatorship.

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal recalled PM Modi’s remarks during the Anna Hazare movement. “I asked the PM why there was no attempt to talk to students whose future is being ruined by repeated paper leaks. Young people have died by suicide and there’s still no dialogue,” he said.

MNS leader Amit Thackeray, who visited the site, termed it “one of the darkest days in Indian politics.” “Democracy is dying before our eyes. If there had been an attempt to talk, he would have ended the fast,” he said.

Congress MP Pawan Khera had met Wangchuk at Jantar Mantar on Friday as his health worsened. Opposition parties said the protest will continue and the education-related demands will be taken to Parliament.