Anti-PM Slogans Spark JNU Row, Campus Faces Police Probe and Political Fallout

Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has once again found itself at the centre of national attention after alleged slogans targeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah were raised during a student gathering on campus, triggering administrative action, a police complaint and sharp political reactions.

The incident occurred late on January 5 during a student programme organised to mark six years of the January 2020 violence at the university. According to university authorities, videos of the sloganeering surfaced on social media soon after, leading to widespread scrutiny and calls for action.

What led to the controversy

University officials said the gathering was held within the campus premises and that its tone changed as the programme progressed. The alleged sloganeering followed the Supreme Court’s decision a day earlier to deny bail to activists Umar Khalid and Sharjeel Imam in the 2020 Delhi riots conspiracy case. The 2020 violence in northeast Delhi had erupted amid protests over the Citizenship (Amendment) Act and the proposed National Register of Citizens, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The emergence of videos allegedly showing objectionable slogans against constitutional authorities intensified the response from both the university administration and political leaders.

University administration initiates action

In an official statement, Jawaharlal Nehru University said it had taken “very serious cognisance” of the incident and would initiate the strictest disciplinary action against those found responsible. The university emphasised that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must operate within constitutional and institutional limits.

The administration warned that penalties could include suspension, expulsion or permanent debarment, depending on the findings of the inquiry. Officials stressed that universities must remain spaces for debate and learning, not platforms for inflammatory or unlawful conduct.

Police complaint, inquiry underway

JNU’s security department has formally approached Delhi Police seeking the registration of a case. Authorities confirmed that a complaint has been received and is currently under legal examination. As of now, no FIR has been registered, with police stating that further steps would depend on legal opinion and verification of evidence.

Police sources indicated that CCTV footage, social media videos and other material are being reviewed to determine whether any offences have been committed.

Political reactions escalate

The incident quickly snowballed into a political flashpoint. Several BJP leaders condemned the slogans, accusing a section of students of repeatedly dragging JNU into controversy and undermining national institutions. Statements from ruling party leaders called for firm action to deter similar incidents in the future.

At the same time, opposition voices and student representatives cautioned against what they described as selective outrage and politicisation of campus protests.

Student union rejects allegations

The Jawaharlal Nehru University Students’ Union (JNUSU) denied that the slogans were personal or unlawful, stating that the protest was ideological in nature. The union alleged that the incident was being misrepresented to discredit the university and suppress dissent.

In a statement, the JNUSU said the focus of the gathering was accountability for the 2020 campus violence and claimed that the controversy was diverting attention from unresolved questions surrounding that episode.

A familiar flashpoint

The episode has revived memories of earlier controversies involving JNU, which has often found itself at the intersection of student activism, political debate and national discourse. With investigations now underway and political rhetoric intensifying, the university once again stands at the centre of a debate on free speech, campus politics and institutional responsibility.

Authorities have indicated that further action will follow once inquiries are completed and legal clarity is obtained.