Delhi Bharatiya Janata Party president Harsh Malhotra on Sunday, 19 July alleged that climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is not an ordinary protester but a political instrument of the Opposition, pointing to the presence of senior lawyers — including Rajya Sabha MPs Kapil Sibal and Vivek Tankha — who appeared before the Delhi High Court seeking interim relief in the matter. Malhotra argued that the calibre and political affiliations of the legal team exposed the organised backing behind Wangchuk's indefinite hunger strike.

BJP's Case Against the Protest

Malhotra contended that Wangchuk joined the hunger strike on 28 June at a demonstration he described as 'sponsored' by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), the Communist parties, and the Indian National Congress. He noted that the NEET-UG re-examination had already been conducted satisfactorily on 21 June, a week before the strike began. 'The purpose of the hunger strike was not to raise students' issues, but to disrupt the streets to Parliament during the Monsoon Session,' Malhotra said.

Delhi High Court Refuses Interim Relief

The Delhi High Court declined to grant any interim order on a petition filed by Wangchuk's wife, who challenged his continued hospitalisation at Safdarjung Hospital. A single-judge bench of Justice Mini Pushkarna observed that the government's decision to shift Wangchuk from Jantar Mantar — given his deteriorating medical condition — could not be termed arbitrary. The court issued notice to the Centre, the Delhi Police, and other respondents, directing them to file status reports within three days and listed the matter for further hearing on 24 July.

Wangchuk's Health and Hospitalisation

Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike since 28 June in solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG examination, was shifted to Safdarjung Hospital on Saturday after his health deteriorated. The court recorded that doctors at the hospital were closely monitoring his condition and that only oral medication had been administered with his consent. Delhi Police maintained that the transfer was carried out in accordance with High Court directions.

Political Reactions on the Ground

The BJP president's remarks came on the same day that AAP leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia visited Wangchuk's former protest site at Jantar Mantar, a visit the BJP cited as further evidence of Opposition coordination. Notably, this is not the first time Wangchuk's activism has drawn political attention — his earlier campaigns for Ladakh's constitutional status had already placed him at the centre of national debate. The NEET-UG controversy, which triggered nationwide student unrest, has now become a fresh flashpoint between the ruling party and the Opposition ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament.

What Happens Next

The Delhi High Court will take up the petition again on 24 July, by which time the Centre and Delhi Police must submit their status reports on Wangchuk's condition and the circumstances of his hospitalisation. Whether Wangchuk continues his strike from the hospital ward or is eventually discharged will likely shape the political temperature around the NEET issue in the days ahead.