Rahul Gandhi Delhi University visit: Delhi University on Thursday objected to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s “unannounced” visit to its North Campus, calling it a breach of institutional protocol and a disruption to student governance. The university’s proctor office issued a strongly worded statement: “Shri Rahul Gandhi has done this for the second time… coming to the university without any intimation and information to University of Delhi.”

Earlier in the day, Gandhi, also the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, met students from Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) at the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) office. The meeting focused on themes of representation, equality, and academic justice as part of his wider ‘Shiksha Nyay Samvad’ initiative.

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DU calls Rahul’s visit a disruption

The university criticised the hour-long visit, claiming that the DUSU office was cordoned off by security, limiting access to the premises. It alleged that the DUSU Secretary, Mitravinda Karanwal, was denied entry, and that some students were locked inside her office by members of the Congress-affiliated National Students’ Union of India (NSUI).

“Such actions disrupted student governance and will not be tolerated,” the university stated, warning of disciplinary action against those involved.

DUSU defends Gandhi’s presence

DUSU President Ronak Khatri, affiliated with the NSUI, defended the visit, calling it peaceful and fully within his rights as student body head. “There is no rule requiring the DUSU President to seek prior approval for hosting a guest in the union office,” Khatri said. He accused the university of “administrative overreach” and claimed the statement was “politically motivated.”

ABVP criticise

The RSS-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which holds several positions in DUSU, labelled the event “bad theatre.” Secretary Mitravinda Karanwal alleged she was kept out due to “VVIP protocol” and was only allowed in after a prolonged argument. “Turning up uninvited and silencing elected voices is not leadership,” the ABVP said in a statement.

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The controversy follows a similar incident last week in Bihar, where Gandhi’s unauthorised interaction with students led to police FIRs. Meanwhile, BJP leaders like Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised Congress leadership on unrelated political issues, adding further tension to an already charged atmosphere.