A major show of political support for climate activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike was witnessed at Shivaji Park on Sunday as Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray led a protest against the BJP-led Union government. The demonstration was centred on Wangchuk's ongoing agitation over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination and quickly expanded into a broader political attack on the Centre's functioning.
The rally was addressed by Uddhav Thackeray, who declared that the issue was no longer limited to Wangchuk's hunger strike. He said a larger fight had to be launched against what he described as an unaccountable government. Allegations were made that the future of the country's youth had been compromised through alleged irregularities in the NEET examination, while student suicides linked to the controversy were also referred to during his speech.
Wangchuk's contributions to the country were highlighted repeatedly. Thackeray questioned how a person who had developed solar-powered tents for soldiers posted in sub-zero temperatures and created ice stupas to address water shortages in Ladakh could be branded anti-national. A comparison was also drawn with social activist Anna Hazare's anti-corruption movement in 2011. It was argued that ministers from the then UPA government had engaged in dialogue with Hazare during his hunger strike, while no similar effort had been made by the present government in Wangchuk's case.
A strong criticism of the Centre was also made after Wangchuk was shifted from Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital. The government was accused of corruption and of failing to address the concerns of students. Questions were also raised over why Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan continued in office despite demands for his resignation over the alleged NEET irregularities.
Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Aaditya Thackeray also addressed the gathering and said support for Wangchuk was growing among young people. He stated that students from across Maharashtra had assembled in Mumbai and expressed confidence that the movement would gain further momentum in Delhi. Wangchuk's detention was described by him as being against democratic values, while the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan was again demanded.
The Shivaji Park demonstration followed protests organised across south Mumbai a day earlier by student organisations and Opposition supporters. Members of the Students' Federation of India, All India Students' Federation, Aamchi Padhai Aamchi Ladai and other groups had gathered outside Azad Maidan in support of Wangchuk and students protesting alleged NEET irregularities. Several protesters were detained by Mumbai Police, and cases were registered against organisers for allegedly conducting demonstrations without permission.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court observed on Sunday that the decision to shift Wangchuk to Safdarjung Hospital because of his deteriorating health could not be considered arbitrary and did not violate his personal liberty. The court also rejected a plea seeking his transfer to a private hospital of his choice.
Here's what Mumbaikars had to say about the ongoing situation
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