Ashok Gehlot Urges Rajasthan Government to Address Student Union Election Demands

Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has called on the state government to engage with student leader Shubham Rewad, who is on an indefinite hunger strike demanding the revival of student union elections. Gehlot criticized the BJP government for its inaction and highlighted the need for immediate dialogue to address the concerns of thousands of students. He pointed to Madhya Pradesh's commitment to hold elections in its universities as a model for Rajasthan to follow. Gehlot urged government representatives to visit Rewad in the hospital and take steps to end his protest.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 5, 2026, 17:41 IST

Gehlot Calls for Immediate Dialogue with Student Leader

On Wednesday, former Chief Minister of Rajasthan, Ashok Gehlot, urged the state government to engage in immediate discussions with student leader Shubham Rewad, who has initiated an indefinite hunger strike demanding the reinstatement of student union elections. Gehlot expressed concern that Rewad, currently hospitalized at Sawai Man Singh Hospital in Jaipur, has even stopped drinking water.

He criticized the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for failing to intervene in Rewad's hunger strike or to consider the students' demands with empathy.

Gehlot stated, 'Thousands of students in the state are calling for student union elections, yet the government remains obstinate. What is the BJP government afraid of?' He referenced neighboring Madhya Pradesh, where, following a directive from the High Court, student union elections will be held in all 15 government universities by September 2026. Gehlot urged the Rajasthan government to take a cue from this and promptly announce the conduct of student union elections.

He also appealed to government representatives to visit Sawai Man Singh Hospital without delay to meet Rewad and take steps to end his hunger strike.