Sagarika Ghose Slams Action Against Sonam Wangchuk, Calls It a Threat to Democratic Rights

New Delhi, July 18: Trinamool Congress (TMC) Rajya Sabha MP Sagarika Ghose on Saturday strongly criticised the action taken against climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, describing it as an attack on democratic values and the right to peaceful protest. She alleged that the Centre acted out of concern over Wangchuk’s proposed march to Parliament, which is scheduled for July 20.

Speaking to the media, Ghose claimed that Wangchuk’s campaign was non-violent and focused on democratic participation. She said she had intended to join the march on behalf of the Trinamool Congress and questioned the government’s response to what she described as a peaceful public movement.

The TMC leader further argued that the timing of the action, just ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament, reflected an attempt to discourage dissenting voices. According to her, democracy requires citizens to have the freedom to express their concerns, and any effort to curb peaceful protests weakens constitutional principles.

Parliament’s Monsoon Session is scheduled to commence on July 20 and continue until August 13, following approval by President Droupadi Murmu on the recommendation of the Union government.

When asked about developments within the TMC’s rebel faction, Ghose declined to comment in detail. However, she maintained that her party would remain focused on issues affecting the public and would continue to raise concerns such as the NEET examination and matters related to the Ram Mandir during the upcoming Parliament session.

Ghose also accused the Union government of avoiding accountability on key public issues. She asserted that governance should be based on dialogue and democratic engagement rather than coercive measures, adding that the opposition would continue to voice citizens’ concerns inside Parliament.