The Aryavarth Express New Delhi: Students at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU)staged protests on Tuesday against Vice-Chancellor Shanti Shri Dhulipudi Pandit over alleged casteist remarks in which she dismissed UGC regulations as “irrational” and “unnecessary.” The demonstrations followed reports of late-night attacks on protesting students by ABVP members.
In a statement, the All India Students Association (AISA) condemned the VC’s remarks, saying, “As the forces of Manuvad unleash a united attack against social justice, the legacy of Ambedkar must prevail!” AISA highlighted that the VC had allegedly dismissed the UGC regulations while stating that Dalits were trapped in “permanent victimhood,” calling the comments “deeply Brahmanical” and demanding a public apology and her immediate resignation.
The protests were part of a ‘Samta March’ held on February 22, organised by students to demand the enforcement of UGC regulations addressing caste-based discrimination. “Thousands of students rejected the VC’s blatant casteism through the march and demanded her immediate resignation,” AISA stated.
AISA also accused ABVP members of violent attacks. According to the student body, ABVP activists assaulted hundreds of students gathered at the SL-SIS lawn late at night, throwing bricks and stones at the encampment where JNUSU office bearers and a former JNUSU president were protesting their rustication.
Extending solidarity, AISA said, “We stand with Jawaharlal Nehru University students, rusticated JNUSU office bearers, and the ex-JNUSU president in their fight against Brahmanical forces and against unjust rustication, which attempts to strip students of their democratic representation.”
The organisation reiterated its demands:
Immediate resignation of the JNU Vice-Chancellor.
Accountability for ABVP members responsible for the violence.
Reinstatement of rusticated JNUSU office bearers and ex-president.
Implementation of UGC Equity Regulations to ensure caste-based fairness in university spaces.
AISA concluded by urging students to “Unite Against Manuvadi Forces” and continue the fight for social justice and equity in higher education.
