19 July,2026 04:50 PM IST | Pune | mid-day online correspondent
Sonam Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after completing 21 days of his hunger strike. File Pic/PTI
Maharashtra Congress MLA Nana Patole on Sunday accused the Centre of displaying a "dictatorial" attitude after activist Sonam Wangchuk was taken to hospital by the Delhi Police during his hunger strike, reported the PTI.
Speaking to reporters in Maharashtra's Pune, Patole claimed the government's actions were undermining democratic values and questioned the manner in which Wangchuk was removed from the protest site.
Wangchuk was taken to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after completing 21 days of his hunger strike.
According to a senior Delhi Police official, the decision was taken in compliance with directions issued by the Delhi High Court after Wangchuk's health reportedly deteriorated. Officials said he was admitted to receive the necessary medical treatment, the news agency reported.
Patole said the Congress would participate in a protest march against Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the opening day of Parliament's Monsoon Session on Monday.
He alleged that the government's handling of Wangchuk's protest reflected an attempt to suppress democratic dissent.
The Congress leader also demanded strict action against those allegedly involved in irregularities related to the NEET examination.
He called for a thorough investigation into the alleged scam and referred to reports of fresh allegations involving marksheets, saying those responsible should face stringent punishment.
Meanwhile, after Sonam Wangchuk was forcibly taken to the hospital by the Delhi Police, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar, Shiv Sena (UBT) president Uddhav Thackeray and other opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) leaders on Saturday criticised the Centre over its "irresponsible" and "shameful" handling of the activist's agitation.
As per PTI, Maharashtra opposition leaders said that the action amounted to suppression of democratic dissent. Wangchuk had been on an indefinite hunger strike in Delhi since June 28 in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protest over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and the alleged deaths of students linked to the controversy.
Delhi Police on Saturday shifted Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital from the Jantar Mantar protest site after his health deteriorated on the 21st day of his indefinite hunger strike, citing medical advice and directions of the Delhi High Court, as per PTI.
(With inputs from PTI)
