Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP) International President Alok Kumar criticized the chanting of slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah by Left-wing student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). Kumar expressed disapproval of the incident, particularly due to its association with Umar Khalid, emphasizing that while dissent is acceptable in politics, the seriousness escalates when sedition accusations are involved. He emphasized the unacceptability of such slogans and stressed the need for accountability.
The protests, where anti-government slogans were raised, occurred following the denial of bail to former JNU students Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots case. Left-wing student organizations, including the Democratic Students’ Federation (DSF), the All India Students’ Association (AISA), and the Students’ Federation of India (SFI), participated in the demonstration at JNU’s ‘Guerrilla Dhaba’. The slogans included phrases like “Modi-Shah ki kabra khudegi, JNU ki dharti par.”
JNU’s Chief Security Officer (CSO), Naveen Yadav, wrote to the Delhi Police requesting an FIR registration over the objectionable slogans. The event, initially intended to mark the anniversary of an attack, saw a shift in tone after the Supreme Court’s decision on Khalid and Imam’s bail pleas. The gathering, which started with around 30-35 students, witnessed a notable change in demeanor following the court’s announcement.
