‘We won't let Ganga go'

Students are unhappy about the news of JNU’s Ganga Dhaba shutting down.

JNU’s oldest and most famous Ganga Dhaba might have to shut down soon following an eviction notice given to the owners by the university administration.

The notice pasted in front of the dhaba says that they need to pay more to retain the place. But Sushil Rathi, who has been running the dhaba since he was 15, is still hopeful that tremendous student support will help keep the place intact.

“I’m happy to see students supporting me. They assure us that notices come and go. It won’t affect us,” says the 52-year-old. The dhaba, named after Ganga hostel, is not only an adda for good food, chai and gupshup, but is also a key spot for protests and rallies, and so, students are upset with this development.

“The administration is taking advantage of the fact that around this time, there are lesser students in the university, so the pressure will be less. But we JNUites believe in socialism and equality. We won’t let this happen to somebody from a lower economic background,” said Amol Madame, an M.Phil student.

The administration is apparently looking at a fatter amount on the lease from a commercial café. “According to the registrar’s office, the shops will be allotted to the highest bidder. JNU has always stood for an egalitarian system but this time, the administration is not ready for a discussion,” Lenin, former JNUSU president had told HT earlier.

Rathi, however, is hopeful that his plea will be heard. “After so many years, the administration shouldn’t be so ruthless. We offer the most reasonable food which you won’t find elsewhere,” he says.