Rahul Gandhi: Rohith Vemula Act coming soon in Telangana, Karnataka

Hyderabad: Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi announced Saturday that Congress governments in Telangana and Karnataka will soon enact the Rohith Vemula Act to criminalize caste discrimination in educational institutions. Paying tribute to the Dalit research scholar whose 2016 suicide sparked nationwide protests, Gandhi wrote on X: "Rohith, your fight is our responsibility."

Gandhi alleged institutional casteism, social exclusion, everyday humiliation, and dehumanizing treatment isolated Vemula, stripping him of dignity and support. He questioned whether Dalit students today face less discrimination, citing ongoing campus isolation, hostel exclusion, classroom inferiority, and even violence. "Caste remains India's biggest admission form," he stated, determining access, opportunity, and dignity.

The Congress leader called the Rohith Vemula Act essential—not a slogan—to ensure strict action against caste discrimination culprits and prevent students from being "broken, silenced, or pushed out." A decade after Vemula's death, Gandhi asked if India guarantees equal dreaming rights, stressing the system rejects ambitious Dalit students.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka met Vemula's mother Radhika and Justice for Rohith Vemula Campaign Committee members at Praja Bhavan. He assured the Act's earliest introduction per Gandhi's instructions and received their Karnataka-drafted bill. The group demanded transparent inquiry into Vemula's case, justice, relief for 50 students and two teachers facing non-bailable cases post his death.