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NEW DELHI: Leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Friday criticised the University of Delhi (DU) over its advisory asking students to stay away from demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. The Congress leader accused the university of threatening students for exercising their democratic rights.Reacting to the advisory, Gandhi wrote on X: “How dare you threaten students for exercising their democratic rights? Please note, you are the ones that will be held accountable when the time comes.”The remarks came after DU issued a safety advisory urging students and faculty to avoid “unlawful assemblies or demonstrations” at Jantar Mantar amid ongoing protests over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak.In its advisory, the university said demonstrations at Jantar Mantar are “strictly regulated” under Supreme Court directives and warned that participation in unlawful gatherings could invite legal action. It also cautioned that such activities could pose risks to students’ personal safety and adversely affect their academic progress and future professional opportunities.“Accordingly, all students are urged to stay away from Jantar Mantar and to prioritise their safety and compliance with the law,” the advisory said.DU also warned students against misinformation, saying that “a significant amount of fake and misleading content is being created and circulated to fuel the situation” and advised them to exercise caution before believing or sharing such material.Gandhi’s criticism came a day after he, along with other INDIA bloc leaders, attempted to march to Gandhi Smriti in solidarity with students protesting against the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. The Opposition said the visit was also meant to pay tribute to students who allegedly died by suicide following the controversy and to express support for those injured during the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led protests.Addressing reporters on Thursday, Rahul accused the Centre of “brutalising students” and demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.The protest saw tense scenes after Congress workers attempted to move past police barricades, leading to scuffles with Delhi Police personnel. Police warned that no sit-in protest or gathering was permitted at the site and said legal action would be taken if demonstrators failed to disperse.
