AICC Vice-President Rahul Gandhi has said Union Ministers Bandaru Dattatraya and Smrithi Irani and Vice-Chancellor Apparao own the responsibility for the suicide of Dalit student Rohith Vemula. Rahul also demanded that the Centre extend ex gratia to the bereaved family.
Rahul Gandhi visited the UoH on Tuesday and sought details from the students on the suicide of Rohit. He asked the reasons for the Rohit’s suicide. He also inquired about the Facebook comments. He paid tributes to the portrait and memorial statue of Rohit. Later, he consoled Rohit’s parents.
Rahul Gandhi came to the University along with AICC general secretary in-charge of Telangana State Congress party affairs Digvijay Singh and other State Congress leaders. Rahul sat on the ground and enquired with four other suspended students about all issues leading to the suicide of the Dalit student. TPCC Chief N Uttam Kumar Reddy too accompanied Rahul Gandhi. Rahul Gandhi listened patiently about the reasons that led to suicide of Rohit. Rahul also asked the students to clear his doubts. Rahul heard the students amidst slogans welcoming Rahul.
Speaking on the occasion, Rahul Gandhi said the discrimination in the Universities towards some sections of students was not proper. The Universities have to spread knowledge and the students have the right and freedom to express their feelings. “There should be no suppression of the voice of students in the Universities” Rahul opined and added that the death of Rohit was painful. He also questioned HCU Vice-Chancellor Apparao to say whether he has no moral responsibility and time to console the bereaved family members.
Making it clear that he didn’t come to Hyderabad to politicize the issue, Rahul said he didn’t come to Hyderabad as a politician. He lashed out at the Union Human Resources Minister Smrithi Irani and VC Appa Rao alleging that both mishandled Rohit’s episode.
Earlier, ABVP students tried to obstruct Rahul Gandhi, who reached City by a in special flight, when he was proceeding towards HCU from Begumpet Airport. The police detained the students. Party leaders K Jana Reddy, Shabbir Ali, Danam Nagender and others welcomed Rahul Gandhi at Begumpet Airport. (NSS)