JNUSU ‘referendum’: over 2,000 students back V-C’s removal The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) announced on Wednesday that a “student referendum” held recently demonstrated strong support for the removal of Vice-Chancellor Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit. The decision followed allegations that the V-C made casteist remarks in a podcast earlier this month. According to the union, 2,409 students participated in the vote, with 2,181 casting their ballots in favor of her resignation. A total of 207 students voted to retain her position, while 21 votes were deemed invalid. In a statement, the JNUSU emphasized that the referendum reflected the “overwhelming sentiment of the student body,” highlighting a demand for accountability and the V-C’s resignation. The union described the outcome as a “decisive democratic mandate” from the students, underscoring their commitment to addressing the alleged misconduct. The vote was conducted as part of the university’s internal processes, with the JNUSU asserting its role in representing student interests and ensuring transparency in such matters. The V-C’s remarks, which were reportedly made in a podcast discussing campus policies, sparked widespread controversy. Students and activists criticized the comments as discriminatory, leading to calls for her removal. The referendum was organized to gauge student opinion on the issue, with the union claiming it provided a clear indication of the community’s stance. The university administration has not yet issued an official response to the referendum results. However, the incident has reignited debates about campus governance, free speech, and the role of student unions in addressing grievances.#jawaharlal_nehru_university #jnusu #santishree_dhulipudi_pandit #student_referendum #casteist_remarks
