Students Raise Slogans Against PM and Home Minister
A group of students from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) gathered on campus to raise slogans criticizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah. This protest took place on the night of January 5, 2026, shortly after the Supreme Court ruled against bail applications from Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam related to a conspiracy in the 2020 riots case.
The video footage captured during the protest showed slogans directed towards the Prime Minister and Home Minister. Aditi Mishra, the president of the JNU Students’ Union, emphasized that the slogans conveyed ideological sentiments and did not personally target any individual.
Context of the Protest
Every year, JNU students commemorate the violent incidents that occurred on January 5, 2020, when masked individuals attacked students in their hostels, resulting in numerous injuries. The protest on January 5, 2026, underscores the continued unrest and political tension surrounding the university.
Mishra stated, “All of the slogans raised in the protest were ideological and do not attack anyone personally. They were not directed towards anyone.” This statement seeks to clarify the students’ intentions amidst fierce political reactions to their demonstration.
Political Reactions
Government Officials Condemn the Protest
Delhi Ministers Ashish Sood and Manjinder Singh Sirsa publicly condemned the protest, attributing the incident to opposition support for such actions. Sood noted, “When such people are given patronage, such things are bound to happen,” referring to the climate surrounding the protest.
Sirsa echoed a similar sentiment, stating, “These are separatist people. Raising such slogans against the Prime Minister and the Home Minister is extremely shameful. The AAP and the Congress have always supported such people.” His comments highlight the charged political atmosphere and the implications of the students’ actions.
Violence in Background
The context of rising tensions at JNU stems from an incident on January 5, 2020, when violence erupted on campus, leading to chaos and significant injuries. During that event, at least 28 students, including then JNU Students’ Union president Aishe Ghosh, were injured as aggressors used sticks, stones, and iron rods against the student body.
This prior incident has etched a lasting impact on the university community and continues to influence student expressions and political sentiments on campus. The Delhi Police faced backlash for their inaction during the 2020 violence and for subsequently naming student leaders in the FIRs related to the incident.
Future Implications
The Supreme Court’s rejection of Khalid’s bail, along with the rise of protests within academic institutions, raises concerns about academic freedom and civil liberties in India. Political analysts suggest that as protests like those at JNU persist, there will likely be increasing scrutiny regarding the balance between security and freedom of speech on college campuses.
The incidents at JNU are not isolated but reflect broader societal tensions concerning dissent and political discourse in India. As university spaces become focal points for expression against government policies, the government faces the challenging task of addressing these issues while maintaining order and upholding democratic principles.
Wrapping Up the Events
As of now, no formal complaints have been filed regarding the protest, and the police have not taken any specific action against the students involved. This lack of immediate consequences could either be seen as an acknowledgment of students’ rights to protest or a reflection of the complexities of policing campus demonstrations.
The atmosphere at JNU remains charged, and as students commemorate the troubling past while protesting current political conditions, further developments are likely. The inclusive environment intended for academic discussion will continue to be tested against a backdrop of political fervor and student activism.