New Delhi: The Congress has intensified its attack on the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of ignoring public concerns over activist Sonam Wangchuk's hunger strike, alleged irregularities in competitive examinations and the proposed Higher Education Bill.

Speaking on Monday, AICC general secretary K C Venugopal extended the party's "complete solidarity" with Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for nearly three weeks. He alleged that the Centre had failed to engage with the protesters despite growing concerns over Wangchuk's deteriorating health.

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The remarks come two days after Delhi Police shifted Wangchuk from the Jantar Mantar protest site to Safdarjung Hospital on the 21st day of his fast. The move followed medical advice and directions from the Delhi High Court after his condition worsened.

The hunger strike is being held in support of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which has been demanding accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including the NEET paper leak, and has called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Venugopal claimed that repeated paper leaks had severely damaged the credibility of national examinations, including NEET and CBSE exams, leaving students and parents uncertain about their future. He alleged that despite mounting concerns, Pradhan had remained in office without addressing the demands of the protesters.

Instead of initiating dialogue, the Centre chose to move Wangchuk to hospital after his health declined, Venugopal said.

"A sensitive and responsible government would have held talks with the protesters. Instead, the Centre has chosen to ignore them," he alleged.

The Congress leader also launched a broader political attack on the BJP government, describing it as "anti-democratic, anti-student and anti-labour." He further alleged that the Modi government was the "most authoritarian" administration the country had seen and accused it of weakening democratic institutions.

Venugopal also criticised the proposed Higher Education Bill, claiming it would reduce the autonomy of universities and diminish the powers of state governments by allowing the Centre greater control over higher education institutions.

He said the Congress would strongly oppose the legislation and continue protesting against what it describes as the Centre's anti-democratic policies, adding that the party would "expose the Modi government's anti-democratic approach" in the days ahead.