Following Rahul Gandhi's Delhi University Visit, NSUI Accuses ABVP of Inciting Campus Unrest; ABVP Retaliates with Counter-Accusations. Tensions Rise in DU Student Politics.
Rahul Gandhi: Rahul Gandhi's surprise visit to Delhi University (DU)'s North Campus on May 22nd has sent shockwaves through student politics. The Congress's student wing, NSUI, has accused the ABVP of deliberately instigating violence and unrest following the visit. A series of sharp exchanges and protests between ABVP and NSUI have ensued. Let's delve into the details of this controversy.
Increased Tensions Following Rahul Gandhi's Visit
On May 22nd, Rahul Gandhi made an unannounced visit to DU's North Campus. He met with students from SC, ST, and OBC communities and listened to their grievances. NSUI claims that this move angered the ABVP, prompting them to sow discord on campus.
ABVP had previously organized a march during which they allegedly threw cow dung at the office of DUSU President, Ronak Khatri. NSUI further alleges that ABVP is deliberately creating such controversies to disrupt the university atmosphere and increase polarization in student politics.
NSUI Accuses ABVP of Deliberately Creating Unrest
In a press conference, NSUI's Delhi President, Ashish Lamba, stated that ABVP is plotting to polarize the university. He believes that following Rahul Gandhi's interaction with students from marginalized communities, ABVP has deliberately taken steps to create a tense environment. Lamba stated, "ABVP's behavior is deplorable. They are playing political games while ignoring the real issues of students."
During the protest, NSUI workers burnt RSS uniforms, chanted slogans like "Rahul Gandhi Zindabad," and vehemently protested against ABVP. NSUI alleged that ABVP had put up a hoarding containing false accusations and inflammatory rhetoric against Rahul Gandhi, leading to its removal.
NSUI Accuses ABVP of Imposing RSS Ideology
NSUI leader Akhilesh Yadav said, "By burning the RSS uniform today, we sent a clear message that the country will not be run by the Sangh's ideology. Every student has their independent thinking, and we fully support it." He also alleged that ABVP and RSS are forcibly trying to recruit students into their organizations, while neglecting pressing issues such as poor infrastructure, water shortages, and improper faculty appointments.
Debate Between NSUI and ABVP on Women's Empowerment
NSUI leader Namrata Jef refuted ABVP's claims of being denied entry to the DUSU office. She said, "We support women's empowerment, but ABVP leaders are using it as a political tool. Menstrual leave is already a provision in our manifesto and has been implemented in Punjab University. If ABVP genuinely cares about women's welfare, they should work with us."
False Accusations Against ABVP and Strong Opposition from NSUI
NSUI member Lokesh Chaudhary said, "Whenever we raise students' rights, ABVP attacks our character with false accusations. They fear Dalit students will raise their voices for their rights." NSUI accused ABVP of spreading unrest and discord among students solely to maintain their power.
Impact of the Controversy on the University Atmosphere
Since Rahul Gandhi's visit, the atmosphere of student politics in DU has become tense. Both NSUI and ABVP are continuously making statements against each other and have engaged in several protests. NSUI claims it wants to maintain a safe and peaceful university environment, while accusing ABVP of spreading violence for political gain.
