JNU Students Protest Vice-Chancellor’s Remarks Amid Rising Tensions

Tensions escalated at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as students protested the remarks made by Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit on February 24, 2024. The Vice-Chancellor’s comments, which dismissed University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations as “irrational” and “unnecessary,” were perceived by many as having casteist undertones.

The protests were ignited by allegations of violent incidents involving members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), who reportedly attacked student demonstrators during the protests. The All India Students Association (AISA) condemned the Vice-Chancellor’s statements, claiming they undermine social justice efforts. AISA stated, “The JNU VC, who had earlier expressed great pride over her association with the RSS, confirmed her party line and spoke up, dismissing the UGC Regulations and stating that Dalits were drugged with ‘permanent victimhood.’”

On February 22, students had organized a ‘Samta March’ to advocate for the implementation of UGC regulations aimed at addressing caste-based discrimination within university spaces. AISA reported that thousands participated in this march, expressing their rejection of the Vice-Chancellor’s remarks and calling for her immediate resignation.

The protests took a violent turn as AISA accused ABVP members of resorting to aggression against the demonstrators. “Unable to break the resolve of JNU, the Sangh Brigade resorted to their age-old tactic of violence! When hundreds of JNU students gathered at the SL-SIS lawn, the ABVP unleashed brutal late-night violence against them,” AISA detailed. They alleged that ABVP members targeted the encampment site with bricks and stones, where student leaders were protesting against their unjust rustication.

In solidarity with those affected, AISA expressed support for the rusticated JNUSU Office Bearers and former JNUSU President, stating, “AISA extends its solidarity to the students of JNU as well as the rusticated JNUSU Office Bearers and ex-JNUSU President in their fight against the Brahmanical forces on their campus.”

The student body reiterated its demands for accountability, stating, “JNU VC must tender her immediate resignation! Hold ABVP goons responsible for their violence against JNU students! End the unjust rustication of JNUSU Office Bearers and ex-JNUSU President! Unite Against Manuvadi Forces, Strengthen the fight for UGC Equity Regulations!”

This incident reflects ongoing tensions at JNU surrounding issues of caste and representation, as students continue to advocate for equity and justice on campus.