Kanhaiya Kumar’s event in Mumbai on Saturday, but no venue yet

He will be speaking at the convention organized by the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) on politicisation of universities by saffron-led forces

There seems to be no end to hurdles for student leader Kanhaiya Kumar’s programme scheduled in the city on Saturday.

Some right-wing groups have warned they will not allow the function to be held. (HT File)

With most owners refusing to rent out their halls for the event, the organisers zeroed in on the Janata Shikshan Sanstha at Worli. But the event cannot be held at the venue thanks to the conditions imposed by the Mumbai police.

“We tried at least six, but the owners or managements refused to give them on rent on hearing Kumar’s name,” said Communist Party of India (CPI) leader Prakash Reddy. “When we finalized a school at Worli, the police insisted the meeting should be a by-invitation event. This is not possible as there are lots of people who want to hear him. We can’t deny entry to them,” he said.

The organisers are now searching for another venue. He will be speaking at the convention organized by the All India Youth Federation (AIYF) on politicization of universities by saffron-led forces. Some right-wing groups have warned they will not allow the function to be held. The Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), a student-wing affiliated to the RSS, may also protest against his visit.

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) denied the claims that it would offer protection to Kanhaiya Kumar. “We have nothing to do with his programme,” said MNS chief Raj Thackeray.