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BJP hits back on JNU violence: ‘Forces of anarchy using students as cannon fodder’
Masked men armed with sticks entered the JNU campus on Sunday, said the varsity administration.
The violence at Jawaharlal Nehru University on Sunday evening led to an opposition attack and counter-attack by the BJP. While Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the attack reflects the fear of those in power, the BJP hit back by suggesting the opposition was fanning flames among the students for their own political resurrection.
“The fascists in control of our nation, are afraid of the voices of our brave students. Today’s violence in JNU is a reflection of that fear,” tweeted Rahul Gandhi.
Rahul’s comment came after videos of the attack, including one showing JNUSU president Aishe Ghosh bleeding and alleging she was brutally attacked by goons wearing masks, were circulated on social media.
Also Watch l JNU violence: Masked men allegedly attack teachers & students inside campus
CPI-M chief Sitharam Yechuri said the attacks were “a ploy” by the RSS/BJP.
“Masked attackers entered the JNU while law enforcers stood by. This video is what RSS/BJP want to convert India to. They will not be allowed to succeed,” Sitaram Yechuri tweeted.
Congress leader Chidambaram, too, held the government responsible.
“What we are seeing on live TV is shocking and horrifying. Masked men enter JNU hostels and attack students. What is the police doing? Where is the Police Commissioner? If it is happening on live TV, it is an act of impunity and can only happen with the support of the government. This is beyond belief,” said Chidambaram.
The Congress party described the developments as “revenge” on students by the Narendra Modi government.
“Students beaten up in #JNU. Teachers beaten up in #JNU. Goons vandalising women’s hotel. Brutality & beatings unleashed. No Police anywhere, No JNU Administration! Is this how Modi Govt seeks revenge against students & youth? #SOSJNU,” tweeted Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala.
While opposition attacked the government, ABVP activists claimed the left-leaning students and their sympathisers from other universities were involved in the attack. A senior Delhi police officer, however, said the violence was started by rival groups of JNU students who were wearing masks.
BJP was swift to respond to the opposition charge by claiming the violence was engineered by “forces of anarchy” determined to use students as “cannon fodder” to shore up their political fortunes.
“We strongly condemn the violence on JNU campus. This is a desperate attempt by forces of anarchy, who are determined to use students as cannon fodder, create unrest to shore up their shrinking political footprint. Universities should remain places of learning and education,” said a tweet on BJP’s official handle.
Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman rued the fact that JNU, once the center of fierce debates and opinions, had become the center of “violence”. She said the government wanted the universities to be safe places.
“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,” said Sitharaman.
Reports said home minister Amit Shah had spoken to Delhi police commissioner enquiring about the situation in JNU.
