Mamata Banerjee Criticizes Central Government Over Sonam Wangchuk's Treatment

Former Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, has directed her criticism towards the central government regarding the actions taken against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. She accused the government of suppressing peaceful protests instead of engaging in dialogue. In a post on social media, Banerjee expressed her worries about Wangchuk's health, stating, 'I am deeply concerned about Sonam Wangchuk's well-being.' She noted that he had merely requested a conversation, yet there has been no response to his appeals for weeks. 'In a democracy, peaceful dissent should be met with dialogue, not silence,' she emphasized. Banerjee claimed that Wangchuk's voice, like that of many young Indians, has been disregarded.

She further stated that Wangchuk's voice has been overlooked, similar to the countless voices of young Indians that continue to be ignored. Banerjee demanded that he be allowed to transfer to a private hospital, asserting that citizens should be free to cover the expenses if necessary. She insisted that he should be permitted to move to a private facility, and if needed, the public should have the freedom to bear the costs. The TMC leader remarked that public trust is built on transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic rights, rather than suppressing peaceful protests or refusing dialogue.

Banerjee reiterated that public trust is established through transparency, accountability, and honoring democratic rights, not by stifling peaceful protests or denying conversations. She added that a government that views dissent as a threat rather than a democratic responsibility cannot demand trust while evading accountability. This situation unfolded when Delhi police transported Wangchuk from the protest site at Jantar Mantar to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday morning, amid concerns for his health due to a prolonged hunger strike. Dr. Charu Bamba, the medical superintendent at Safdarjung Hospital, reported that Wangchuk's condition is stable, although he is experiencing mild dehydration and weakness due to extended fasting.