Student Leader’s Hunger Strike: Ashok Gehlot Weighs In
In a significant development, former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Monday visited student leader Shubham Rewar at the Sawai Man Singh (SMS) Hospital in Jaipur, where Rewar has been on a 15-day hunger strike demanding student union elections in the state.
A Long Overdue Demand
Gehlot, who met Rewar at the hospital, expressed his support for the student leader’s demands, saying that the government’s delay in conducting student union elections is “beyond comprehension.” He questioned the government’s attitude towards the youth, pointing out that the demand for elections has been pending for a long time. “People have been demanding this for a long time: that elections be held. It is a popular demand of the youth of Rajasthan,” Gehlot said.
A Product of Student Politics
As a former student leader himself, Gehlot highlighted the importance of campus elections in shaping political leadership. He recalled his own experience in student politics, saying that he was a product of the same system that Rewar is fighting for. “Think of how many people have risen through student politics. I am one of them myself, though I actually lost my student union election; don’t they understand, even after the Gen Z episode – what their strength is?” Gehlot said.
Concern for Rewar’s Health
Gehlot expressed concern over Rewar’s deteriorating health and urged him to end his fast. “It has been 15 days since Shubham began his hunger strike. He stopped drinking water…I even had to force him to drink water…I told him that even if the response isn’t positive, the hunger strike should be called off, and we will all take this cause forward together,” Gehlot said.
A Wider Support Base
Gehlot called for wider student support, saying that the issue transcends party lines. “If people can take to the streets across Delhi, this issue is just as significant. The entire student community will extend its support; even ABVP students might join the cause. This is a common demand; it isn’t specific to the Congress or the BJP. The Chief Minister ought to have been responsive to such demands,” he added.
Gehlot Takes to X
In a post on X, Gehlot slammed the BJP government’s attitude towards the youth, saying that it is “absolutely not appropriate.” He urged the government to demonstrate sensitivity by promptly addressing the demands and finding a solution. In another post, Gehlot compared Rajasthan with Madhya Pradesh, where student union elections will be held in all 15 government universities by September 2026, as per the High Court’s orders. He urged the Rajasthan government to learn from this example and immediately announce the elections.
Student Leader Thanks Gehlot
Student leader Shubham Rewar thanked Gehlot for extending support to the agitation demanding student union elections. Outlining the core demands of the protest, Rewar said the agitation is seeking “the immediate restoration of student union elections at Rajasthan University and the establishment of the Rajasthani Language Department.” He also took a swipe at the state government over its handling of the issue, saying that the government’s indifference has not shaken the morale of the students.
A Long-Haul Struggle
Rewar made it clear that the struggle will continue until the youth’s voice is heard and concrete, positive decisions are taken on their demands. He expressed gratitude to Gehlot for his support, saying that it has infused new energy into millions of youth and the student power of Rajasthan.