Shiv Sena leader Priyanka Chaturvedi has fired a salvo at JNU students over inflammatory sloganeering, labeling it as entirely inappropriate for an institute of higher learning. Her candid remark, ‘This kind of sloganeering at JNU is not right,’ has reignited discussions on campus politics and patriotism.
Backgrounding the controversy, recent events at JNU saw groups raising provocative chants during protests, prompting outrage from various quarters. Chaturvedi, a vocal parliamentarian, stressed the need for responsible dissent in democratic spaces.
‘We support student activism, but not at the cost of India’s unity,’ she asserted. This stance aligns with her party’s evolving position on cultural nationalism, positioning her as a bridge between progressive ideals and traditional values.
The university’s history of turbulence—from 2016 sedition charges to ongoing fee hike agitations—provides context to the current uproar. Critics argue that such incidents tarnish JNU’s academic reputation, while supporters see them as expressions of free speech.
Chaturvedi’s call for restraint could influence policy debates on regulating student unions. As political eyes remain fixed on JNU, her intervention underscores the high stakes involved in shaping young minds amid polarized narratives.