‘Facilitate peaceful JNUSU elections’, appeals JNU following slogans raised during presidential debate

NEW DELHI: Amid ongoing students’ union elections, the Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has urged students, faculty and staff of the university to facilitate peaceful JNUSU polls and refrain from polluting the campus environment. The university’s appeal comes after some students allegedly raised religious certain slogans during the presidential debate, held on March 21.

“It has come to the notice that some students have allegedly raised certain motivated slogans, during the event of presidential debate of JNUSU election held on 21st March, 2024, which are totally unacceptable as it may hurt the feelings and sentiments of various sections of the JNU community.

The university informed that the administration has taken cognizance of the matter and the vice-chancellor has asked the security branch to look into the issue and submit a report. It has asked all to inform the security branch in case anyone is found to be indulging in any unauthorized activity.

JNU mentioned that the model code of conduct is in place for the elections and the JNUSU election process is being monitored by the special observer appointed by the High Court.

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JNUSU Elections: Presidential debate

The Chhatra Rashtriya Janata Dal (CJRD) allegedly raised slogan on ‘Hawa mein udd gaye Jai shri Ram” during the presidential candidates' debate on March 21, sparking a controversy. Several social media users shared a viral video showing the left party raising slogans and said, “Disgraceful slogans raised by left groups at pre-election gathering at #JNU. JNU's left students fight elections not on issues of education and campus but on – free-Palestine, anti govt and insulting Hindu Faith – Outcries of "...Hawa me ud gaye Jai Shree Ram" were heard.”

Disgraceful slogans raised by left groups at pre-election gathering at #JNU
JNU's left students fight elections not on issues of education and campus but on --
Free-Palestine
Anti-Govt.
and insulting Hindu Faith -- Outcries of "...Hawa me ud gaye Jai Shree Ram" were heard pic.twitter.com/xWOCvMgQUb

— Siyana Shaji (@SiyanaShaji) March 22, 2024

Reacting to the allegations, CJRD presidential candidate Priyanka Bharti said, ““Jai Shri Ram” is not a religious slogan but a political slogan, which was used by BJP to spread communalism in the country. The unity of Mulayam ji and Honorable Kanshi Ram ji was formed to show the strength of Bahujan unity against it.”

“What kind of cunningness you have, is beyond my understanding, because slogans were also raised for Modi Chanda Chor, slogans like “Long live education, long live medicines, irrigation zindabad, Jai Bhim and Jai Fatima were also raised,” she added.