Controversial Slogans Against Modi and Shah at JNU Sparks Divide Within Congress

New Delhi: The recent incident at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where some students reportedly raised objectionable slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, has exposed differing opinions within the Congress party. While one faction downplayed the incident, calling it a minor expression of student anger, another faction criticized the language used as inappropriate and unacceptable.

Congress Divided on the Issue
Senior party leader Uditraj argued that the slogans, shouted in the heat of the moment, do not carry any serious intent. “Students express their anger in ways like this… it doesn’t really mean anything. There are slogans like ‘beat the traitors’ in many places. Democracy allows protests and slogans,” he said, suggesting that the incident should not be blown out of proportion.

In contrast, Congress leader Sandeep Dixit emphasized that while students have the right to protest, the dignity of language must be maintained. “Everyone has the right to oppose court decisions, but using words like ‘grave’ or ‘kabr’ is not appropriate. One can voice criticism, but there is a proper way to express anger without crossing the limits of decency,” he said, adding that the party has consistently upheld this view.

JNU Seeks Police Action
Meanwhile, JNU administration has written to Delhi Police, requesting an FIR be registered regarding the “highly objectionable, provocative, and inflammatory slogans.” The letter stated that such slogans violate the JNU Code of Conduct, contradict the principles of democratic protest, and could disrupt campus peace and public order.

Incident Context and Video Evidence
The slogans, reportedly raised in protest against the Supreme Court’s rejection of bail for Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam—considered key accused in the 2020 Delhi riots—have circulated widely on social media. The video of the incident, believed to have been recorded on Monday night, shows students using highly objectionable language against the Prime Minister and Home Minister.

The episode has not only reignited campus political tensions but also highlighted internal disagreements within major political parties on handling sensitive issues related to freedom of expression and decorum.