Congress leader and Lok Sabha’s Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, drew criticism from Delhi University officials on Thursday after making an unannounced appearance at the North Campus—a move the university condemned as a breach of protocol.

According to a statement from Delhi University Proctor Prof. Rajni Abbi, this was the second instance in which Gandhi arrived on campus without prior notification. He reportedly spent nearly an hour in the office of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU), surrounded by a security cordon during his stay.

The university administration, in an official release, expressed concern over incidents that unfolded during the visit. It alleged that several students were confined in the DUSU Secretary’s room and subjected to inappropriate behavior by members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), the Congress party’s student wing. The DUSU Secretary, the release added, was also prevented from accessing her office.

“The university strongly disapproves of such unauthorized visits and expects this not to recur. Disciplinary measures will be taken against any students found responsible for misconduct,” the statement read.

DUSU President Responds

Defending Gandhi's visit, DUSU President Ronak Khatri—an NSUI representative—dismissed the university’s objections. Speaking to the media, he argued that the student body was within its rights to host Gandhi without seeking prior approval.

“There is no stipulation, academic or legal, mandating the DUSU President to request permission for a private meeting with a guest, particularly when it doesn’t disrupt campus order or involve a public gathering,” Khatri asserted. He emphasized that the interaction was conducted peacefully and restricted to the union office premises.

During his visit, Gandhi engaged in discussions with students from marginalized communities, including SC, ST, and OBC groups, focusing on inclusivity and equitable access in education, according to a PTI report.

This incident echoes a similar episode from May 2023, when Gandhi made an impromptu stop at a university men's hostel to share a meal with students. That visit too drew criticism, leading the hostel’s provost to issue a formal warning, questioning the propriety of such surprise engagements given Gandhi’s Z-plus security status.

BJP Labels Visit a Political Gimmick

The BJP was quick to lash out at the Congress MP, accusing him of orchestrating a media spectacle. BJP IT Cell chief Amit Malviya took to social media, describing the visit as a "photo-op" that disrupted campus routine.

Sharing a clip of a student confronting Gandhi, Malviya claimed the situation devolved into chaos, criticizing Gandhi for creating tension during a sensitive time for the nation. He referred to recent remarks made by Gandhi that, according to Malviya, cast doubt on the actions of Indian security forces.

“At a moment when the country is standing together in support of its soldiers, such political antics do a disservice to national unity,” Malviya posted.