Baramati, Maharashtra: Nationalist Congress Party (Sharadchandra Pawar) chief Sharad Pawar on Saturday criticised the Centre over the police action against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was shifted to a hospital during his indefinite hunger strike over the NEET-UG issue.

Pawar said the protest movement would continue and announced that the Opposition would raise the matter during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 20.

Pawar questions Centre’s response to protest

Speaking to reporters in Baramati, Pawar alleged that the government failed to address the concerns raised by students over alleged irregularities in the examination system.

He said the protesters had been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, holding him responsible for handling issues related to the education system.

Pawar claimed that Opposition leaders, including Congress representatives and NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, had visited the protest site at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar to support the demonstrators.

Opposition says issue will be raised in Parliament

Pawar alleged that the government resorted to police action after the protest gained momentum. He said the detention of Wangchuk would not stop the movement and that the concerns raised by students were justified.

Former Maharashtra Congress chief Nana Patole also criticised the Centre, alleging that the action was taken ahead of the proposed march to Parliament on July 20.

NCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar accused the government of forcibly shifting Wangchuk to a hospital after he continued his hunger strike, questioning the Centre’s approach towards the protest.

Police cite medical reasons for Wangchuk’s hospitalisation

Sonam Wangchuk was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital after completing 21 days of his hunger strike. Delhi Police said the move was carried out following Delhi High Court directions and medical advice due to concerns over his health condition.

Police said Wangchuk’s vital parameters were stable and he was under medical supervision. The Opposition, however, has continued to criticise the action and has announced plans to raise the issue in Parliament.