GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 10th Feb. Violence erupted late Friday night at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) as clashes broke out between RSS-affiliated ABVP and Left-backed groups during a meeting to discuss the upcoming students’ union polls.
Both sides reported injuries among their members, with conflicting claims about the instigation of the violence.
The altercation unfolded during the University General Body Meeting (UGBM) at the Sabarmati Dhaba on campus, intended to elect members of the Election Commission for the upcoming 2024 JNUSU polls. Left-affiliated groups accused ABVP members of disrupting the meeting by encroaching upon the dias and harassing council members and speakers.
Videos circulating on social media depict heated arguments and commotion between ABVP and JNUSU members amid attempts by university security personnel to restore order.
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The DSF accused ABVP of colluding with the administration to obstruct the democratic process initiated for the JNUSU elections. Meanwhile, the Students’ Federation of India alleged that JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh was attacked by ABVP members, with water thrown at her during the altercation.
ABVP countered, claiming that their secretary Vikas Patel was attacked by DSF activists and another student, Prashanto Bagchi, was assaulted due to personal vendettas. They also alleged attacks on students supporting ABVP, including a differently-abled student.
In response to the disruption, ABVP accused Left groups of instigating violence, claiming that attempts to obstruct the UGBM were thwarted, leading to retaliation from the opposing faction.
The incident occurred as students gathered at Sabarmati Dhaba to cast their votes for the EC election. Earlier in the day, JNUSU had obtained quorum to initiate the UGBM process.
The clashes underscore the deepening polarization within the JNU community and raise concerns about the conduct of democratic processes on campus amidst escalating tensions between student factions.
