Rahul Gandhi Urges CM Fadnavis to Meet Protesting Adivasi Students

Rahul Gandhi, Congress MP and leader of the Opposition, has written an open letter to Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, urging him to meet Adivasi students in Pune who have been on an indefinite hunger strike for over 10 days. The students are protesting against various demands, including a new rule that bars anyone over 30 from government hostels.

Gandhi shared the letter on his social media account, along with a memorandum submitted by the protesting students. In his letter, Gandhi highlighted the difficulties faced by Adivasi students who come from remote villages and depend on government hostels to study in cities. He stated that the new rule excluding those over 30 from hostels is unfair and affects many students who are still completing their studies or preparing for exams.

The Congress leader also flagged the alleged shortcomings in government tribal hostels, claiming that several facilities are unsafe and often lack adequate food, sanitation, and medical care. He further alleged that students have suffered injuries and even died in incidents, including snake bites, while facilities for women are in an even worse condition.

Gandhi raised concerns over the alleged practice of female students being subjected to pregnancy tests and other medical examinations when they return to hostels after an extended absence. He described this practice as humiliating and an attack on the students' dignity and humanity.

The protesting Adivasi students have submitted a memorandum seeking the withdrawal of Government Resolutions (GRs) issued on August 5 and August 14, 2026. They also demanded that the November 11, 2011 GR be revised and that financial provisions be increased in line with the current inflation index.

Gandhi urged Fadnavis to visit the protest site, meet the students, and hear their concerns firsthand. The indefinite hunger strike by the Adivasi students has been ongoing for over 10 days, and their demands include the withdrawal of the age cap, improvement in hostel conditions, insurance, and recruitment.

The protest has gained attention, with many taking to social media to express their support for the students. The Maharashtra government has yet to respond to the students' demands, and it remains to be seen how the situation will unfold.

In the meantime, the students continue their hunger strike, determined to have their voices heard. The situation highlights the struggles faced by Adivasi students in accessing education and the need for the government to address their concerns.

The Maharashtra government must take immediate action to address the students' demands and ensure that they have access to safe and adequate facilities. The government must also review its policies and ensure that they are fair and equitable for all students, regardless of their age or background.

The protest by the Adivasi students is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all students have access to quality education and adequate facilities. It is the responsibility of the government to ensure that the rights of all students are protected and that they have the opportunity to succeed.

In conclusion, the situation highlights the need for the government to take immediate action to address the concerns of the Adivasi students. The government must review its policies and ensure that they are fair and equitable for all students. The protest is a reminder of the importance of ensuring that all students have access to quality education and adequate facilities.