New Delhi, May 29 (IANS): Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi on Friday condemned IIT-Madras' move to censure a students' group for criticising the Narendra Modi-led central government.

"IIT student group banned for criticising the Modi government. What next?" Gandhi said on his official Twitter handle.

"Free speech is our right. We will fight any attempt to crush dissent and debate," he said.

His comment came hours after IIT Madras censured Ambedkar Periyar Study Circle - a students' study group - over an anonymous complaint to the central government that it was trying to "create hatred atmosphere" among students by distributing "controversial pamphlets and posters" on the campus.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala told the media: "The arrogance of the Modi government has come to an extent that if a students' organisation criticises its policies that group is disbanded."

"Is this how the voice of dissent raised by youth will be suppressed in the country? This is why Rahul Gandhi has raised his voice," Surjewala said.