Rahul Gandhi supports Nashik tribal students’ rights campaign

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said the struggle of tribal students in Maharashtra extends beyond demands for education, employment, hostels and food, and is also about protecting their existence and Adivasi identity.

Gandhi shared a video on X featuring his interaction with tribal students during his visit to Nashik on Wednesday. In his post, he said the students had raised concerns over their rights and argued that they were being treated as “Vanvasis” instead of being recognised as Adivasis.

The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha praised the students for standing up against the Maharashtra government and continuing their campaign for their demands. He also assured them that the Congress and he would support them in their fight for their rights.

Gandhi had met a delegation of tribal students, including some who were observing a hunger strike, during his Nashik visit. The students had raised several concerns, particularly regarding the condition and functioning of ashram schools intended for tribal communities.

Earlier, Gandhi had said that education was a right rather than a privilege and stressed the need for students from marginalised communities to receive adequate institutional support.

He said every student should have access to a safe, respectful and conducive environment for education, adding that those from disadvantaged communities should not be neglected by the system.

Gandhi’s remarks come amid the students’ continuing efforts to draw attention to their educational and welfare concerns, while also placing the issue of Adivasi identity at the centre of their campaign.

with inputs from PTI