Campus politics ban not meant to target ABVP, clarifies Jammu univ V-C
Jammu University vice-chancellor RD Sharma on Tuesday denied the BJP’s allegations that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) – the party’s student wing – has been banned at educational institutions in the region.
Jammu University vice-chancellor RD Sharma on Tuesday denied the BJP’s allegations that the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) – the party’s student wing – has been banned at educational institutions in the region, saying it was a blanket rule that applied to groups of all political and religious affiliations.
Clarifying on the issue, Sharma told HT, “Jammu University is governed by certain rules and regulations. Our norms clearly mention that this campus cannot be used for any religious or political activity. The rule has been here ever since the university came into existence.”
Referring to BJP general secretary Ram Madhav’s comments on Sharma’s “obstinate behaviour”, he said, “It seems some disgruntled varsity students gave incorrect information to industries and commerce minister Chander Prakash Ganga in order to cover their own misdemeanour, and the same was conveyed to Madhav. Unfortunately, nobody sought a clarification from us.”
“We never discourage student organisations from taking up welfare activities on our campuses, but they need to be done as per university norms. A number of welfare activities are conducted on our campuses through the year,” he added.
Read | BJP hints at action against Jammu University V-C over ABVP ban
However, BJP state president Sat Sharma did not agree with the vice-chancellor’s reasoning. “Though it is a very good decision to ban political activities on the campus, student organisations – including the ABVP and NSUI – must not be disallowed from holding welfare events and blood donation camps. These are not political activities,” he said.
Sat Sharma said it ill behoves somebody of the vice-chancellor’s stature to get involved in such “minor” issues. “It is unfortunate that the ABVP is being prevented from holding events on the campus, giving the impression that these activities are being conducted with a political motive. The ABVP is a very old student organisation that has been working for the cause of students since Independence,” he added.
Madhav had earlier slammed the vice-chancellor over an alleged ban on the ABVP at all educational institutions in the region. “BJP ministers take up Jammu Univ VC obstinate behaviour against ABVP. Action wl b taken (sic),” he tweeted.
Get Current Updates on India News, PM Narendra Modi in Kerala LIVE , Electoral Bonds Data Live , Lok Sabha Election 2024 Date along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.