Educational Institutions Should Not Be Made Political Battlefields: Smriti Irani On JNU Violence

Union Minister Smriti Irani while referring to violence inside Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru University on Monday said, campuses should not be made a political battlefield. "I had said it earlier and reiterating it now that educational institutions should not be made ‘rajiniti ka akhada’ (political battlefield) as it affects the life and progress of our students,” Irani told reporters when asked about the violence in the campus.

“I hope students will not be used as ‘rajnitik mohre’ (political tools)”, the Amethi MP said.

“A probe has started in the matter and it is not justified for me to comment on it as I am in a constitutional post,” she added.

Violence broke out at JNU on Sunday night as masked men armed with sticks and rods attacked students and teachers and damaged properties on the campus, prompting the administration to call in the police.

At least 34 people, including JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) president Aishe Ghosh, were injured in the violence.

The Left-controlled JNUSU and the RSS-affiliated ABVP blamed each other for the violence.

Earlier in the day, Union Home Minster Amit Shah talked to Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and requested him to call representatives from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for discussions.

On Sunday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, alumni of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, condemned the violence. The government wants universities to be safe for students, Sitharaman said.

“Horrifying images from JNU the place I know & remember was one for fierce debates & opinions but never violence. I unequivocally condemn the events of today. This govt, regardless of what has been said the past few weeks, wants universities to be safe spaces for all students,” Sitharaman tweeted.