Jaipur, April 3 (NationPress) Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot expressed strong disapproval on Friday regarding the detention of NSUI activists and leaders during a demonstration at Rajasthan University, labeling it a significant infringement on democratic rights.

He called upon the state authorities to promptly free those who were taken into custody, asserting that this action reflects a suppressive attitude towards dissent.

According to Gehlot, the NSUI's non-violent protest against the perceived imposition of RSS ideology at Rajasthan University—and what they see as a degradation of institutional autonomy—serves as a vital defense of democratic principles.

He criticized the arrest of NSUI members as an attempt to stifle their voice, which he believes showcases the BJP government's “authoritarian mindset and sense of urgency.”

Stressing the importance of democratic values, he remarked that dissent and protest are enshrined constitutional rights, and any efforts to suppress them contradict the essence of the Constitution.

Gehlot urged the government to take swift action regarding this issue and release all NSUI leaders and members in custody. Notably, tensions had risen at Rajasthan University, where members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) clashed with police while protesting against a women’s empowerment initiative.

During the protest, participants attempted to climb barricades, resulting in physical confrontations with law enforcement, which led to their forcible removal and detention. The altercation transpired on Friday afternoon in advance of the event scheduled to take place at the university’s Humanities Auditorium.

NSUI activists assembled at the primary entrance, chanting slogans, while police erected barriers to prevent entry. When protesters tried to push past the barricades to access the venue, police intervened and transported them away in vehicles.

The demonstration was sparked by a seminar organized by the Marudhara Nari Sangathan.

NSUI opposed the event, claiming it was being utilized to advance the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), especially following reports of participation by individuals linked to the RSS.

In contrast, the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) backed the seminar and requested action against the NSUI demonstrators. The conflicting positions of these two student factions heightened tensions on campus.

In anticipation of potential unrest, university officials deployed a substantial police presence throughout the grounds.

Regardless of the protests, the seminar proceeded as planned. NSUI leader Amardeep Parihar criticized the event, arguing that the university's academic integrity was being undermined by activities such as “Shastra Pujan.”

In response to these claims, ABVP’s university convener Bharat Bhushan defended the program, asserting that hosting events that reflect specific viewpoints is a democratic privilege.

He argued that the focus of the event on women’s dignity and empowerment made opposing it unwarranted.