Students of Allahabad University are up in arms against controversial BJP MP from Gorakhpur Yogi Adityanath and have vowed not to allow him on the campus for a scheduled event on Friday, citing his “communal” and “controversial” reputation.
The students said the leader would polarise the climate in the Central varsity. Adityanath, however, confirmed to The Hindu that he would visit the campus as per schedule. “There is opposition to every side. I am invited to the event, I will definitely go,” he said.
Adityanath is scheduled to inaugurate the hall of newly-elected Allahabad University Students’ Union (AUSU) on Friday. While he was invited by members of the students union affiliated to the ABVP, the students’ wing of the BJP, the varsity administration has approved it as well.
However, all other student bodies, including those of the Congress, Samajwadi Party and Left parties, are opposing tooth-and-nail Adityanath’s presence. Of the five members of the AUSU, four belong to ABVP, while the president, Richa Singh is an independent.
Richa Singh, who is leading the charge against Adityanath, said the BJP MP lacked the credentials to deserve invitation to such a prestigious occasion. “Yogi Adityanath is a communal person and calling him to the campus is not in student welfare,” Ms. Singh told The Hindu .
Students, including members of the various student bodies and members of civil society wore black bands and led a silent protest march in Allahabad on Thursday to protest Adityanath’s visit. B.P. Singh, registrar, A.U said despite the protests, the event would be held as per schedule. “There are differences between two sides... Adityanath was invited by the four members of the new students’ body, who wished to have him on campus. The president opposes this.”
