JNU Students Vote to Remove VC Over Caste Remarks Controversy
New Delhi: The controversy surrounding alleged casteist remarks by Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has escalated dramatically, with the JNU Students' Union (JNUSU) announcing the results of a campus-wide referendum on Wednesday. According to the union, 2,181 students voted in favor of her removal from office.
Referendum Results and Campus Division
The referendum, conducted on March 10 across various schools of the university, saw a total of 2,409 students participate. Of these, 207 voted for the continuation of the VC, while 21 ballots were declared invalid. The university has approximately 9,000 students enrolled across multiple disciplines.
However, the exercise has been met with skepticism and opposition from a section of students and faculty members. Critics argue that the JNUSU lacks statutory authority to conduct a vote seeking the removal of a vice-chancellor, highlighting that under the Central Universities Act, a VC is appointed by the President of India and cannot be removed through a student referendum.
Background of the Controversy
The controversy erupted after Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit allegedly remarked that "Dalits and Blacks are drugged with victimhood," sparking widespread protests on campus. The JNUSU stated that the referendum aimed to "democratically ascertain the opinion of the student community" regarding her continuation in office, citing not only the alleged remarks but also administrative irregularities.
Over the past weeks, the stir has intensified, beginning with strikes and escalating into lockdowns across several schools. During a march to the Ministry of Education, police detained more than 50 JNU students and arrested 14 union members, who spent three days in custody before being released on bail.
Formal Complaints and Counter-Moves
The issue has led to multiple formal complaints and representations to authorities:
- Former JNUSU president Dhananjay has written to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, seeking action over the alleged remarks.
- The JNU Teachers' Association (JNUTA) has approached the Ministry of Education regarding the matter.
In a counter-move, another group of faculty members has written to the President of India, alleging that the VC is being unfairly targeted. They emphasize that no student referendum has the power to officially recommend or enforce the removal of a vice-chancellor.
Ongoing Tensions and Lack of Response
The campus remains divided, with tensions running high as debates over the referendum's legitimacy continue. There has been no official response from Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit regarding this latest development, leaving the university community in a state of uncertainty.
As the situation unfolds, the controversy highlights broader issues of governance, student activism, and social justice within India's premier educational institutions.
