ABVP members quit citing ‘differences’

At a time when there is a perception that RSS’s student wing Akhil Bharatiya Vidhyarti Parishad (ABVP) is trying to brand Jawaharlal Nehru University as “anti-national”, some office-bearers of the student wing in the university have resigned from the party in protest, citing “differences.”

‘Unjustifiable’

Saying that the way the Central government has been tackling the issue of student union leader Kanhaiya Kumar is unjustifiable, three office-bearers of the ABVP including Pradeep, joint secretary, JNU unit, Rahul Yadav, president, School of Social Sciences (SSS) unit and Ankit Hans, secretary of the same unit have resigned from the party.

As per a letter issued by the three members, they have “dissociated themselves” from any further activity of the ABVP. The letter adds that they cannot be the “mouthpiece” of a government that has “unleashed oppression” on the student community.

“We can’t be mouthpiece of a government which has legitimised the action of right-wing fascist forces in Patiala House court and in front of JNU North Gate,” the letter reads.

“Every day we see people assemble at the front gate of JNU with the Indian flag to beat up students. Well this is hooliganism not nationalism, you can’t do anything in the name of the nation, there is a difference between nationalism and hooliganism,” it adds.

It also clarifies their position that they cannot tolerate “anti-national” slogans. “Anti-India slogans can’t be tolerated on the campus or any part of the country.”