Rajasthan: Gehlot demands release of NSUI workers detained for protesting against university event​

Jaipur, April 3 (IANS) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Friday condemned the detainment of NSUI leaders and workers during a protest at Rajasthan University, calling it an attack on democratic rights. ​

He urged the state government to immediately release those detained, alleging that the action reflects an authoritarian approach to dissent.​

Ashok Gehlot stated that the NSUI’s peaceful protest against the alleged imposition of RSS ideology at Rajasthan University—and what it views as the erosion of institutional autonomy—represents a defence of democratic values. ​

Gehlot said the arrest of NSUI leaders and workers in an attempt to suppress the protest reflects the BJP government’s “authoritarian mindset and desperation.”​

Emphasising democratic principles, he added that dissent and protest are constitutional rights, and curbing them goes against the spirit of the Constitution. ​

He urged the state government to take immediate cognisance of the matter and release all detained NSUI leaders and workers. It needs to be mentioned here that tensions had escalated at Rajasthan University as workers of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), protesting against a women’s empowerment programme, clashed with police. ​

Protesters climbed barricades, leading to scuffles with officers, after which police forcibly removed and detained them. The incident occurred on Friday afternoon ahead of the programme at the university’s Humanities Auditorium.​

NSUI workers gathered at the main gate, raising slogans, while police blocked entry with barricades. When protesters attempted to breach the barricades and enter the venue, police detained them and took them away in vehicles. ​

The protest was triggered by a seminar organised under the banner of the Marudhara Nari Sangathan. ​

NSUI opposed the event, alleging it was being used to promote the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), especially after reports that individuals associated with the RSS would participate.​

In contrast, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) supported the programme and demanded action against NSUI protesters. The opposing positions led to heightened tensions between the two student groups. ​

Anticipating unrest, the university administration deployed a heavy police presence across the campus. ​

Despite the protests, the seminar proceeded as scheduled. NSUI leader Amardeep Parihar criticized the event, stating that the university’s academic environment was being compromised by activities such as “Shastra Pujan.”​

Responding to the allegations, ABVP’s university convener Bharat Bhushan defended the programme, saying that organising events reflecting particular viewpoints is a democratic right. ​

He maintained that the event focused on women’s dignity and empowerment, and that opposing it was unjustified. ​

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