Row over JNU VC’s remark escalates A dispute over alleged casteist remarks made by Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit has intensified, with the JNU Students' Union announcing the results of a campus referendum seeking her removal. The union claimed that 2,181 students voted in favor of her ouster, though the process has faced criticism from some students and faculty members who argue the union lacks statutory authority to conduct such a vote. The referendum, held on March 10 across the university’s schools, saw 2,409 students cast their votes, with 207 supporting the continuation of the VC’s tenure and 21 ballots deemed invalid. The university has approximately 9,000 students across various disciplines. The controversy erupted after the VC allegedly remarked that “Dalits and Blacks are drugged with victimhood,” sparking widespread protests on campus. The situation escalated over the past weeks, beginning with strikes and later evolving into lockdowns at multiple schools. During a protest march to the ministry of education, police detained over 50 JNU students and arrested 14 union members, who were held in custody for three days before being released on bail. The issue has also led to numerous complaints and formal representations to authorities. Former JNUSU president Dhananjay has written to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, seeking action against the alleged remarks, while the teachers’ body JNUTA has approached the ministry of education. In a countermove, a group of faculty members has written to the President of India, alleging the VC is being targeted.#jawaharlal_nehru_university #santishree_dhulipudi_pandit #jnu_students_union #national_commission_for_scheduled_castes #jnutaa
