CPI-M leader Brinda Karat criticized Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit for the recent violence on campus, holding her accountable for the situation. The violence erupted during a protest rally at JNU, where students from different groups accused each other of aggression.
The JNU Students’ Union organized an “Equality March” demanding the resignation of Vice-Chancellor Pandit due to alleged casteist remarks and objections to her comments on UGC regulations, Dalits, and affirmative action. Karat expressed concerns over the VC’s statements, questioning her understanding of the Constitution and the plight of Dalits in India.
Karat highlighted that the protests at JNU were initially peaceful, with students demanding the VC’s resignation and protesting against the rustication of student leaders. She blamed the escalation of events on a group aligned with the VC’s ideology, accusing them of attacking peaceful demonstrators. Karat emphasized that the responsibility for the turmoil at JNU lies with the Vice-Chancellor.
Reacting to reports of the Taliban in Afghanistan legalizing domestic violence, Karat condemned the move, stating that such laws encourage and perpetuate discrimination in society. She expressed serious concerns about the implications of legitimizing domestic violence under the Taliban regime.
