The protest led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk took a dramatic turn after he was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police following a deterioration in his health during his indefinite hunger strike. In the wake of the hospitalisation, Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke announced that the movement had entered a new phase, declaring, “Now we want Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s resignation.”
Dipke accused the government of suppressing a peaceful democratic protest and alleged that Wangchuk was removed from the protest site against his wishes. He said the hospitalisation had strengthened the resolve of protesters rather than weakening the movement, adding that the agitation would continue until its demands were met.
Wangchuk Shifted to Hospital After Health Deteriorated
Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar to VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital after doctors warned that his condition had worsened following nearly three weeks of fasting. Authorities said the move was made on medical advice and in compliance with court directions aimed at protecting his life.
Hospital officials stated that Wangchuk was severely dehydrated and weak and required continuous medical monitoring. However, reports said he declined treatment, maintaining that his hunger strike was a peaceful form of protest.
Dipke Announces Indefinite Hunger Strike
Soon after Wangchuk was taken to the hospital, Abhijeet Dipke declared that he would begin an indefinite hunger strike in his place. Addressing supporters at Jantar Mantar, he said the protest would continue uninterrupted despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation.
Dipke appealed to citizens across the country to join the movement and said the planned ‘Chalo Sansad’ march on July 20 would proceed as scheduled.
‘Now We Want PM Modi’s Resignation’
Escalating the political tone of the agitation, Dipke declared that the movement’s demands had expanded beyond education reforms.
He said the CJP now seeks the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that the government’s response to the peaceful protest reflected a failure to uphold democratic values. According to Dipke, the hospitalisation of Wangchuk marked a turning point in the movement and intensified public anger among supporters.
Police Say Action Was Taken to Protect Wangchuk’s Health
Delhi Police maintained that Wangchuk was shifted to the hospital solely on medical grounds. Officials said medical experts had warned that prolonged fasting had placed his health at serious risk and immediate hospitalisation was necessary.
Authorities denied that the action was intended to suppress the protest, stating that preserving Wangchuk’s life was their foremost priority.
Family Questions Hospitalisation
The hospitalisation has also drawn objections from Wangchuk’s family. His wife questioned the circumstances surrounding his admission and expressed concern over restrictions on access to him.
The CJP alleged that Wangchuk’s family and legal team faced unnecessary restrictions after his transfer to the hospital, claims that further intensified the political controversy surrounding the protest.
Opposition Leaders Criticise Police Action
The police action has triggered sharp political reactions, with several opposition leaders criticising the government’s handling of the protest. Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi described Wangchuk’s removal from Jantar Mantar as wrong and accused the Centre of using force against a peaceful demonstration.
Other opposition parties also questioned the government’s approach, arguing that dialogue should have been prioritised over police intervention.
‘Chalo Sansad’ March to Proceed
Despite Wangchuk’s hospitalisation, the CJP has confirmed that its proposed ‘Chalo Sansad’ march to Parliament on July 20 will continue.
Dipke urged supporters to participate peacefully, saying the movement would continue until its demands are addressed. He maintained that Wangchuk’s removal had only strengthened public determination to continue the agitation.
Protest Enters a New Political Phase
The hospitalisation of Sonam Wangchuk has significantly intensified the ongoing protest, with Abhijeet Dipke assuming leadership of the hunger strike and expanding the movement’s demands to include the resignation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. While the government maintains that Wangchuk was hospitalised purely on medical grounds, the CJP alleges that the action was an attempt to suppress a peaceful democratic movement.
As Wangchuk remains under medical observation and Dipke continues his indefinite fast, attention is now focused on the upcoming ‘Chalo Sansad’ march and the government’s response to a protest that has grown into one of the country’s most closely watched political movements.