Nagpur university lets out ground for BJYM event; NSUI objects

Faisal Shaikh, state vice president, NSUI, who has written the letter, said, “Educational spaces must remain apolitical to foster unbiased intellectual growth. The proposed programme violates this principle. Given recent incidents of political unrest and violence by the BJP and its allies, hosting such events poses a significant threat to the safety and reputation of the university.”

Dr Prashant Bokare, Vice Chancellor of Gondwana University who is currently holding charge of VC for RTMNU, denied the varsity has any connection with the programme apart from merely renting out the premises. He said, “After receiving a request from the BYJM, a discussion was held in Management Council (MC) of the varsity where it was decided to allow such renting out of the ground, as a way of revenue generation. The premise can be rented by any political party, provided they comply with the regulations fixed by the MC in violation of which they will be penalised monetarily.”

Saying he was surprised by the objection, Dr Bokare said, “NSUI too has submitted a similar request for a programme later this month.”