Despite the heavy security, ‘counselling’ before the celebrations by the police and requests from the university administration to let the inaugural of the centenary celebrations go on smoothly, Osmania University students ensured that the attention was on them.
As the programme was on some students raised slogans outside the venue against the Chief Minister and were picked up by the police. After the event was over and the chief guest left, scores of students going into the hostels were seen raising anti-Government slogans alleging that it failed to address their concerns with regard to notifications and employment.
Inside the venue everything went on smoothly, but the surprise decision to let only the President of India speak on the occasion led to various speculations.
Late night decision
Apparently, the Vice Chancellor received a call from the Chief Minister’s Office on Tuesday night that only the President would deliver his address, and he was asked not to reveal it to anyone.
In fact, a flurry of activity to placate the groups of students was noticed on Tuesday night itself.
Officials with close connections with the BJP and ABVP got in touch with them and got an assurance that there won’t be any disturbance from their side. An effort was also made to reach out to AISF students.
However, officials and the police informed the CMO that some students might heckle or raise slogans during the Chief Minister’s speech to embarrass the Government. Apparently, this was the reason why all the speakers had to drop out, and ensure that the programme was smooth in the presence of the President.
