Gujarat University withdraws ban on NSUI after fierce protest by Congress members

Gujarat University has withdrawn its decision to cancel the admissions of several members of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) and ban their entry to the campus, following strong objections and threats of agitation by the Indian National Congress (INC).

The move comes days after the university had taken disciplinary action against NSUI student leaders and activists accused of vandalising property on campus. 

On Monday afternoon, a group of NSUI members allegedly damaged university departments and buildings by tearing down stand-banners described as propaganda material linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

The university had earlier issued a circular dated February 23, cancelling the admissions of nine NSUI student leaders and activists and banning their entry to the campus in connection with alleged vandalism during a programme held on Monday.

According to the circular, those named included Chirag Darji, Narayan Bharwad, Yashraj Singh Kher, Shivraj Singh Bahar, Sanjay Solki, Meet Panara, Kashir Damor, Harsh Chauhan and Prithvi Desai. The order stated that any other persons found in video footage during the police investigation would also face cancellation of admission and a campus ban.

The action followed complaints by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), which alleged that NSUI activists damaged university property and tore down stand-banners linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) during the protest.

The university had also directed that a police complaint be filed against the student leaders, and a case was registered at the university police station. Entry to the campus was restricted to those carrying valid identity cards, with unauthorised persons barred.

The development sparked a political row, with the Congress accusing the university authorities of acting under pressure and warning of a massive agitation if the decision was not revoked. The party claimed that two of the named students were not present during the incident and termed the action “vindictive”.

Following the protest and threats of agitation, the university on Tuesday withdrew its earlier circular and lifted the restrictions imposed on the NSUI members.

The incident has raised questions over the use of university premises for programmes linked to political organisations. University officials have not issued a detailed statement on the reasons for reversing the decision.