Violent confrontations between left-wing and right-wing student groups at Jawaharlal Nehru University left several students injured Tuesday during a pre-election meeting, with both sides accusing each other of instigating the violence that continued through the night.
Incident occurred at JNU
The clashes occurred during a General Body Meeting at the School of Social Sciences on October 15, convened to discuss the election of the JNU Election Commission ahead of student union polls scheduled for early November.
Verbal exchanges between Left-affiliated organizations and the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad escalated into physical altercations.
Competing Claims
ABVP alleged the confrontation began after a Left-wing councillor “made derogatory remarks about students from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.” The Students’ Federation of India and All India Students’ Association accused ABVP of “disrupting the democratic process” and “physically attacking” Left activists.
“The ABVP resorted to violence when they failed to get their way during the meeting. Several of our comrades, including women students, were injured,” an SFI leader stated.
ABVP councillor Abhishek Rai narrated: “When the councillors were reading a report at the GBM, one of the Left councillors said that students from UP and Bihar ‘do not deserve this university and should go elsewhere.’ This triggered strong opposition from the audience, and the GBM was blocked.”
Rai added: “The audience demanded an apology from the Left councillor and that the chair condemn the remarks. When both refused, violence broke out.”
Counter-Allegations
Left leader Alok accused ABVP of climbing the stage and attempting to disrupt proceedings unnecessarily: “Why are they silent on issues like JNU fund cuts and the poor condition of hostels? The ABVP is collaborating with the administration to damage the campus environment.”
Students from both sides, including women, sustained injuries and were rushed to Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS. Police were deployed to control the situation, maintaining presence through the night, though no formal complaints have been filed.
Current Situation
As of Thursday morning, the campus remained tense but controlled, with plainclothes police deployed at key points. Both organizations announced separate press conferences for Thursday.
University authorities are expected to review the situation and may take disciplinary action after receiving reports from both sides.
